The Pacific Airshow is returning to the Gold Coast. From 16th to 18th August, the skies above Surfers Paradise will come alive with aerial acrobatics, jet-powered spectacle, and ground-breaking technology. Building on the success of the inaugural event in 2023, this year’s Pacific Airshow promises even more excitement with a lineup of over a dozen displays announced, and more to come.
The Royal Australian Air Force’s 100 Squadron heritage aircraft will grace the Gold Coast skies en masse for the first time. The RAAF Roulettes, known for their breathtaking aerobatic displays, are also confirmed for daily shows in their Pilatus PC-21s. Further operational RAAF aircraft will be announced in due course.
The Pacific Airshow will be a dazzling showcase of international talent. Headlining the list of international civilian performers is Arizona’s Jeff Boerboon, who wowed Gold Coast crowds last year in his unique Yak110. The UK’s Gravity Industries, featuring two pilots sporting revolutionary jet suits, will make their Pacific Airshow debut, bringing an exciting glimpse into the future of human flight.
Event director Kevin Elliott expressed his excitement about Gravity Industries’ participation, noting their alignment with Pacific Airshow’s commitment to showcasing the future of mobility technology. “We are stoked to bring it up close and personal for the Gold Coast to see,” said Elliott.
The event will also see the debut of the first-ever T-33 Shooting Star jet in Australia, imported exclusively for the Pacific Airshow. Veteran T-33 pilot Greg Colyer will pilot the jet, which is painted in the original Thunderbird livery from 1954.
We eagerly anticipate the return of the US Marine Corps Ospreys and the US Air Force’s C-17, as well as the Australian premiere of the US Navy Leap Frogs. Our own Australian aviation legend and Pacific Airshow Brand Ambassador Matt Hall will take to the skies, joined by female aerobatic pilot Emma McDonald.
Elliott reflected on the success of the 2023 event and voiced his excitement for this year’s event. “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome everyone back to Pacific Airshow Gold Coast for our second year,” said Elliott. He assured fans that the 2024 event would be “even bigger and more exciting both in the air and on the ground in Surfers Paradise.”
With a lineup that already boasts world-class talent and more to be announced, the 2024 Pacific Airshow is set to be a skyward spectacle not to be missed. So, mark your calendars and get ready to look skyward this August.
The Pacific Airshow Gold Coast 2024 Lineup
- 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.
Source: gcmag.com.au
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
