Initial Performer Lineup Revealed for 2024 Pacific Airshow Gold Coast Mega Event

The anticipation is palpable as Pacific Airshow reveals details of its initial Gold Coast performer line up for this year’s event, taking place from 16 to 18 August at Surfers Paradise.

Set to be bigger and better than the inaugural 2023 event, more than a dozen displays have been publicly confirmed with multiples of everything joining the show and more to be announced.

The Royal Australian Air Force’s 100 Squadron heritage aircraft will take to Gold Coast skies for the first time en masse and the RAAF Roulettes aerobatic display team has also been confirmed to fly daily shows in their Pilatus PC-21s. Other operational RAAF aircraft will be confirmed in due course.

Australian aviation legend and Pacific Airshow Brand Ambassador Matt Hall will take to the skies in a two-ship performance with female aerobatic pilot Emma McDonald who performed her very first solo airshow display at Pacific Airshow Gold Coast last year.

The might of the United States military will be on full display with the return of the US Marine Corps Ospreys (x2) and US Air Force heavy weights C-17 (x2) and KC-135 all taking part. Making their Australian debut will be the US Navy Leap Frogs landing right on the beach within the ticketed precinct.

Headlining the list of international civilian performers is Arizona’s Jeff Boerboon, who dazzled Gold Coast crowds last year in his one-of-a-kind Yak110.

Also making their Pacific Airshow debut will be the UK’s Gravity Industries featuring two pilots wearing revolutionary jet suits demonstrating the future of human flight right from Show Centre.

“This is the first time Gravity Industries will show off their innovations at Pacific Airshow and we are stoked to bring it up close and personal for the Gold Coast to see. Gravity Industries aligns strongly with Pacific Airshow’s commitment to showcase the future of mobility technology, right here in Queensland,” said event visionary and director Kevin Elliott.

“Our mate Jackson ‘Jacko’ Strong will also take this event to the next level when he not only BASE jumps off of one of Australia’s tallest buildings in the lead up to the event, but we have what we think will be an even more spectacular stunt planned for each day of this year’s Airshow, so stay tuned.”

Pacific Airshow has also revealed its two-year project to import the first ever T-33 Shooting Star jet into Australia exclusively for Pacific Airshow Gold Coast. The jet will be making its debut this year 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 Elliott.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome everyone back to Pacific Airshow Gold Coast for our second year and are honoured to host the Australian and U.S. military participants announced thus far. 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.

“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!”

Here’s a look at the diverse and thrilling performers confirmed to take to the skies this August —

• United States Marine Corps MV-22s: Two MV22 Ospreys will display their unique tiltrotor capabilities, combining the functionality of a conventional helicopter with the long-range, high-speed cruise performance of a turboprop aircraft.
• Royal Australian Air Force: 100 Squadron heritage aircraft, complete list to be confirmed.
• Air Force Roulettes: The highly skilled Air Force Roulettes aerobatic team will dazzle the crowd with their thrilling formations and precision flying. Don’t miss their breathtaking performance that demonstrates the highest levels of skill and teamwork.
• United States Air Force C-17s: Dual C17 Globemasters will illustrate air mobility and logistics capabilities in a demonstration highlighting the strategic importance of these massive aircraft in military and humanitarian missions.
• The United States Navy Leap Frogs: The team will perform a series of high-altitude jumps, showcasing precision skydiving and parachute skills in formations that capture the eye and imagination.
• Gravity Industries: Two pilots will be wearing revolutionary jet suits. Gravity Industries designs, builds and flies jet suits, pioneering a new era of human flight. The company was founded to challenge perceived boundaries in human aviation and to inspire others to dare to ask “What if?”
• Matt Hall: Red Bull Air Race world champion, former RAAF top gun fighter pilot and Pacific Airshow Brand Ambassador.
• Emma McDonald: Female aerobatics pilot and Head of Aviation for the Matt Hall racing team.
• Greg Colyer – T-33 Jet: Californian Greg Colyer will take to the skies in the iconic T-33 Shooting Star, showcasing the grace and history of this classic jet trainer aircraft, which has trained generations of pilots and is the first of its kind in Australia.
• Hayden Pullen: Gold Coast professional aerobatic pilot Hayden Pullen will perform in his own Extra 330 LT, known for its agility and speed, demonstrating high-energy aerobatics that push the limits of both pilot and machine.
• Freedom Formation: This team of disciplined Australian pilots will execute precise formations, demonstrating the art of close-flight manoeuvres after being a huge hit at the 2023 Pacific Airshow Gold Coast.
• Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter: Two Westpac helicopters will display their critical lifesaving capabilities in a simulated search and rescue operation.
• Screaming Diamonds: The Screaming Diamonds will present a flawless routine of formation flying, with tight manoeuvres and painting intricate patterns in the sky.
• Gold Coast Skydive: Expect heart-stopping moments as the Gold Coast Skydive team leaps from breathtaking heights, demonstrating the exhilarating rush and freedom of freefall.
• Red Star Roolettes: Taking a flight away from their day jobs as QANTAS pilots, the Red Star Roolettes will entertain with their skilled aerobatics and formation flying.
• Fastjet L-39s: Two L-39 Albatros aircraft will perform coordinated aerobatics.
• Aarron Deliu: World freestyle aerobatics champion Aarron Deliu will astound the crowd with his daring solo aerobatics, demonstrating high G-force manoeuvres and spine-tingling stunts in his specialised aircraft.
• Jacko Strong: Extreme sports sensation Jacko Strong is set to perform a daring stunt, details of which are currently being finalised but are guaranteed to thrill.
• Many more performers to be announced in the lead up to the show!

Tickets are now on sale with Adult General Admission starting at an affordable $50 for one day and $100 for a three-day pass. One Day General Admission Family Passes for two adults and two children will be $135. For those who are planning a party and love the idea of adrenalin pumping flyovers with a spectacular backdrop, there is a great choice in hospitality packages available on the website.

Pacific Airshow Gold Coast will be a festival of fun on the ground, as well as in the air, with the event precinct stretching several kilometres along the Surfers Paradise Esplanade.

For full details and pricing – and to buy tickets – visit www.pacificairshow.com

Pacific Airshow Gold Coast is supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Major Events Program.

Please note: All participating aircraft are subject to operational availability.