Pacific Airshow brings Air Force power to Surfers Paradise
RAAF jets, warbirds, helicopters and wing suits will fill Surfers Paradise skies at Pacific Airshow Gold Coast.
What’s happening?
Pacific Airshow Gold Coast has released its second performer lineup for the 2026 event at Surfers Paradise Beach.
The event will run from 14-16 August 2026, with three days of aviation displays staged over the water.
The latest announcement brings a strong Royal Australian Air Force presence to the Gold Coast, led by the F-35 Lightning II. The fifth-generation stealth fighter will be joined by the RAAF Roulettes, No. 100 Squadron, the C-130 Hercules and the PC-9.
The wider program also adds civilian aerobatic teams, heritage aircraft, specialist aviation displays and wing suit performers, giving the beachfront event a mix of military power, history and high-energy entertainment.
The Performer Drop II lineup includes:
RAAF F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation stealth fighter and frontline RAAF jet.
RAAF Roulettes, the RAAF’s formation aerobatic display team.
RAAF No. 100 Squadron, the RAAF’s heritage warbird fleet.
RAAF C-130 Hercules, the RAAF’s workhorse transport aircraft.
PC-9, a RAAF training aircraft.
Bryce Nietvelt, BO-105 Aerobatic Helicopter Display, marking its first-ever aerobatic display in Australia.
Southern Knights Display Team, a formation warbird display team.
Red Star Roolettes Display Team, a formation aerobatic display team.
Jeff “Trappo” Trappett, C-47, featuring a restored WWII-era transport aircraft.
Andrew Kennedy, CAC Mustang and P-40 Kittyhawk, featuring two iconic WWII fighters.
Twin Vipers, a high-energy formation aerobatic act.
McDermott Aviation, C-160 Display, featuring a firefighting display.
Australian Wing Suit Display Team, featuring Jacko Strong, Adrian van der Sluys, Jeff Wetherall and Jason Dunofski.
Why it matters?
Pacific Airshow is becoming a major drawcard for the Gold Coast, bringing military aircraft, civilian performers and specialist displays to one of Australia’s most recognisable beachfront settings.
Pacific Airshow CEO and Director Kevin Elliott said the second performer announcement had lifted the event’s scale and energy.
“Our first performer drop set the tone, this announcement brings the firepower,” Mr Elliott said.
“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.”
He said the Surfers Paradise setting helped make the event stand apart from other aviation shows.
“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.”
Local Impact
The airshow is more than a major entertainment event. It is expected to bring visitors into Queensland, fill hotels, support hospitality venues and give local businesses a strong August boost.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell MP said Pacific Airshow was helping strengthen Queensland’s reputation as Australia’s events capital.
“When you combine some of the world’s best aviation performers with the iconic Surfers Paradise skyline, you create an event people will travel across Australia and around the world to experience,” Minister Powell said.
“Pacific Airshow is bringing thousands of visitors to Queensland, filling hotels, supporting local businesses, and showcasing the Gold Coast on a global stage.”
He said the event also showed how major events could support the wider economy.
“With more than 19,000 visitors expected to travel specifically for the event and more than $26 million forecast to flow into the economy, Pacific Airshow highlights why Queensland continues to lead the nation in major events.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said organisers had continued to attract strong performers and attractions for the city.
“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.”
Mayor Tate said anyone who had not seen the event before should make plans for the Gold Coast.
“Anyone who has not yet seen what the Pacific Airshow can deliver must make a date with the Gold Coast next month and be prepared to be amazed. It’s a party in the skies and on the ground.”
By The Numbers
More than 19,000 visitors are expected to travel specifically for Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, giving the city a major tourism boost.
More than $26 million is forecast to flow into the economy, with hotels, restaurants and local businesses set to benefit.
The second performer drop adds 13 new aerial acts and displays to the event program.
Zoom In
The RAAF is one of the strongest parts of Performer Drop II, with the F-35 Lightning II leading the military lineup.
The fifth-generation stealth fighter will bring frontline capability to the beachside program, while the C-130 Hercules adds the presence of one of the RAAF’s best-known transport aircraft.
The Roulettes will bring formation aerobatics to the Gold Coast, with No. 100 Squadron adding heritage aircraft to the program.
The wider lineup gives the event a strong civilian mix, with warbirds, aerobatic teams, a firefighting aircraft and wing suit performers all included.
Zoom Out
Pacific Airshow Gold Coast is continuing to grow as part of Queensland’s major events calendar.
Its beachside format gives visitors a rare chance to see large-scale aviation displays over the water, with Surfers Paradise forming the backdrop.
For the Gold Coast, the event brings tourism, national attention and a busy August weekend. For aviation fans, it brings military aircraft, heritage planes and specialist performers into one beachfront program.
What To Look For Next?
The final weeks before Pacific Airshow Gold Coast will centre on visitor planning, ticket demand and the full three-day event experience.
With major RAAF displays, civilian performers and premium areas now confirmed, Surfers Paradise is set for a busy August weekend.
Event information, the full lineup and premium experiences are available HERE