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The first performers have been revealed for Pacific Airshow Gold Coast 2024, set to kick off in just over 90 days.
The event, running from 16 to 18 August, will include displays from the RAAF’s 100 Heritage Squadron, United States Marine Corps MV-22s, Matt Hall and Emma McDonald, Gold Coast Skydive, Air Force Roulettes, Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter, and the United States Navy Leap Frogs.
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Also on the roster will be the first-ever T-33 Shooting Star jet imported into Australia, piloted by veteran T-33 pilot Greg Colyer.
“The T-33 jet is special because it is the one and only T-33 in Australia, possibly ever, and it is painted in the original Thunderbird livery from their founding in 1954,” said Pacific Airshow’s director, Kevin Elliott, who added that he “couldn’t be more excited” to welcome airshow guests in 2024.
“2023 was a massive success, selling out completely. We are working to make this year’s event even bigger and more exciting both in the air and on the ground in Surfers Paradise,” he said.
“Pacific Airshow isn’t just about adrenaline pumping aviation, it’s an amazing family day out with activities for all ages and we have kept it affordable with family of four passes starting at $135 for the day.
“This first announcement of performers already packs our schedule with world class talent — but stand by as we have more to come.”
The show this year will take up around 1.5 kilometres of the Surfers Paradise Esplanade, up from 1km in 2023; last year’s show attracted around 250,000 people including 100,000 paying attendees.
According to Elliott, support from major partners, including Accor, Gold Coast Airport and Webjet, is a testament to the strength of the event.
“In 2023, we saw accommodation occupancy hit 90% capacity in Surfers Paradise, with our Airshow contributing to over 100,000 room night stays across the three days,” he said.
“Pacific Airshow is all about families and bringing colour and fun to the Gold Coast. We would love to see visitors coming for the Airshow then stay on to experience some of the other incredible attractions and wonders of this beautiful city and in turn, see the local economy thrive off the event.”
Gold Coast Airport (GCA) will once again host the show and act as a base for performing aircraft. Amelia Evans, CEO of the airport’s owner Queensland Airports Limited, said GCA is proud to support the airshow in its second year.
“Major events like this shine a light on the Gold Coast as a destination, as well as drawing attention to the aviation industry as a whole and the variety of careers available,” she said.
“As a child, I loved watching planes, and I know that during the airshow young aviation enthusiasts will be experiencing the same excitement, inspiring the next generation to take up a career in aviation.”
The Pacific Airshow Gold Coast was created by the team behind the Pacific Airshow at Huntington Beach, California, which attracts three million annual visitors.
Launched in 2016, the original Pacific Airshow in California in 2021 included aerial displays by the US Navy Blue Angels, US Air Force Thunderbirds, Royal Air Force Red Arrows, and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.
