Pacific Airshow announces new performers for GC 2026
After a one year break due to damage to the beach from ex-Cyclone Alfred, the Pacific Airshow confirmed its second performer drop ahead of the 2026 airshow on the Gold Coast this morning. The show is all go to take place in just over a month from the 14th till 16th of August on the stunning Surfers Paradise Beach.
Earlier this year the airshow announced its first performer release which left many airshow goers underwhelmed but they’ve certainly turned up the heat for the second release plus with more aircraft yet to be announced.
The T-33 Shooting Star that will be on display over Surfers Paradise this August | Photo: Noah Stohr-Waldren
The first performer drop included the iconic Yak-110, a United States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, a Queensland Fire Department air attack demonstration, the classic T-33 shooting star, Matt Hall, Emma McDonald and the Screaming Diamonds. However, they claimed there was more to be announced and that Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) participation would be released closer to the event.
Now, the PA has really delivered, dropping 13 more displays with more still on the way. The highlight of the release is the RAAF F-35 Lightning II fighter jet and Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules that are always crowd pleasers - could we see another C-130 ‘angel’ flare drop like at PA in 2023?. Alongside them, the RAAF Roulettes and No. 100 Squadron will also be in attendance. As well as its RAAF counterparts, a civilian owned ex-RAAF PC-9 will take to the skies over Surfers Paradise for the first time.
"To have the RAAF rolling out its frontline jets alongside a raft of Australia's best civilian performers is exactly the calibre of lineup the Gold Coast deserves. This is world-class aviation against one of the most iconic skylines in the world, right over the water, there's nothing else like it in the country," Kevin Elliott, PA CEO & Director said.
Also at the show will be several civilian displays such as a Dakota C-47, P-51 Mustang, P-40 Kittyhawk, and three warbird display teams; the Twin Vipers (2x BAC Strikemasters), Southern Knights (3x T-6 Harvards) and Red Star Roolettes (a mix of CJ-6 Nanchangs and Yak-52s).
We will also see the first aerobatic helicopter display in Australia by Bryce Nietvelt in the unique BO-105. McDermott Aviation will have their PA debut with a C-160 firefighting display over the beach.
The iconic RAAF Roulettes which are set to display at the PA in just over a month | Photo: Noah Stohr-Waldren
Plus the PA confirmed that there are still more aircraft to be released ahead of the show in August leaving room for some exciting last minute editions that avgeeks are begging for.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said "It's fantastic to see airshow organisers continue to attract the best aviators and attractions from across the globe, all focused on delivering an incredible three days of entertainment."