Life’s a Beach: Pacific Airshow Gold Coast 2026 Soars to New Heights.

 

 

Article by Joel Thomas

Images & Video: Joel Thomas, Kristen Curtis

 

 

The Gold Coast was once again transformed into one of the world’s great aviation stages as Pacific Airshow Gold Coast 2026 took to the skies from 14–16 August, attracting more than 285,000 spectators across the three-day event.

The 2026 edition delivered an incredible mix of military power, civilian aerobatics, historic warbirds, helicopters, jet-powered performers and some truly unique aviation acts all set against the spectacular backdrop of the Gold Coast’s famous Surfer’s Paradise beach.

 

Military might takes centre stage

The Royal Australian Air Force was out in force, with the F-35A Lightning II once again proving why it is one of the world’s most impressive modern fighter aircraft. The RAAF Roulettes in their Pilatus PC-21 also thrilled the crowds with their precision formation aerobatics, while the mighty C-130J Hercules provided a taste of Australia’s airlift capability.

Joining the RAAF was the VMM-265 “Red Dragons” of the United States Marine Corps, who brought the remarkable MV-22 Osprey to the Gold Coast. The unique tiltrotor aircraft was a standout with crowds as it demonstrated its ability to transition between helicopter and fixed-wing flight.

The US Navy also made an appearance with the P-8A Poseidon, while the US Pacific Air Forces brought the enormous C-17 Globemaster III, based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii.

 

Adding to the military and historic aviation spectacle was a privately owned former RAAF PC-9, which put on an outstanding solo handling display, demonstrating just how capable these aircraft remain in the hands of skilled pilots.

RAAF No. 100 Squadron also joined the action, bringing along a collection of beautifully presented historic aircraft, including Spitfires and a Mustang. The aircraft joined the Roulettes for several memorable flypasts, creating some spectacular combinations of old and new-generation aviation.

 

Civil performers deliver spectacular displays

The military acts were only part of the story, with an outstanding line-up of civilian performers keeping the crowds entertained throughout the weekend.

One of the most eye-catching aircraft was Jeff Boerboon’s Yak-110, a truly extraordinary, dual-fuselage, jet-powered custom aerobatic machine that has to be seen to be believed.

Bryce Nietvelt of Riverina Helicopters also made history with his BO-105 helicopter aerobatic display, delivering an Australian-first performance that showcased just how agile a helicopter can be when placed in the hands of an expert pilot.

World champion air race pilot Matt Hall brought his trademark precision and energy to the skies with a breathtaking aerobatic performance, while Gravity Industries Jet Suits delivered one of the weekend’s most futuristic spectacles as pilots took to the air in jet-powered suits right over the sand.

The Australian Wingsuit Display Team added another unique dimension, with their high-speed formations providing an incredible contrast to the aircraft filling the skies above them.

 

 

 

Warbirds and formation flying

Historic aviation was also well represented throughout the weekend.

The T-33 Shooting Star, flown by Greg Colyer, brought the distinctive sound and presence of the classic American jet trainer to the Gold Coast.

The Red Star Roolettes, Australia’s Nanchang and Yak formation aerobatic team, delivered another impressive formation display, while Emma McDonald, Jeremy Miller in his Yak-55 and Rod Flockhart in his Extra 330S all added to the weekend’s aerobatic spectacle.

 

 

 

Pay’s Aviation Spitfires provided another fantastic dose of warbird history, while a BAC Strikemaster and Jet Provost flew together, showcasing two iconic British jet trainers.

The Southern Knights, an Australian civilian warbird formation aerobatic team formed in 1997, also took to the skies, joined by a beautifully restored Beech 18.

The Screaming Diamonds formation team added yet another impressive formation display to an already packed flying program.

 

Fire, Water and Aviation in Action

It wasn’t just aerobatic displays and military aircraft keeping the crowds looking skyward throughout the weekend.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services water-bombing demonstration provided an impressive showcase of the aircraft and helicopters used to help protect communities from bushfires. A Bell 214 helicopter from McDermott Aviation took part alongside Air Tractor aircraft, which demonstrated their water-bombing capabilities with dramatic drops in front of the crowd.

The display offered spectators a glimpse into the important role these aircraft and their crews play in Queensland’s emergency response and bushfire operations.

 

 

 

Another huge success for the Gold Coast

With more than 285,000 spectators attending across the three days, Pacific Airshow Gold Coast 2026 once again demonstrated just how popular aviation is with audiences in Australia and around the world.

From cutting-edge fighters and enormous military transports to historic Spitfires, helicopters, aerobatic teams and gravity-defying performers, there was something for everyone.

The event has also proved so successful that Pacific Airshow Gold Coast has been locked in for a further two years, meaning the countdown is already on for the next instalment.

For aviation enthusiasts, photographers, families and casual spectators alike, the Gold Coast has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination on the international airshow calendar.

 

 

 

We can’t wait for the next one. Bring on 2027!

In the meantime, you can relive some of the action with over 30 minutes of highlights from Pacific Airshow Gold Coast 2026, featuring many of the incredible aircraft and performers from across the three-day event, available to watch now on our YouTube channel.