In a thrilling announcement, the U.S. Air Force F-16 demonstration team has joined the lineup of performers for the Gold Coast Pacific Airshow slated for August in Surfers Paradise.
On Friday, event coordinators revealed an enriched program that includes the RAAF Super Hornet, Hercules, and Globemaster, bolstered by a strong showing from the U.S. military.
The brains behind the renowned Pacific Airshow at Huntington Beach, California—which draws a crowd of three million—are responsible for curating this event. The F-16, which made its debut flight in December 1976 and was delivered to the U.S. in 1979, will participate in the Gold Coast event after not flying at Avalon this year. Its construction was unique, a collaborative effort between the U.S. and four NATO countries: Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway.
Kevin Elliot, the event’s founder, expressed that the inaugural show in Australia promises a unique “high tempo” experience. Flight demonstrations will take place less than a minute apart, setting a fast-paced rhythm to keep spectators enthralled.
A showcase of air power assets from both the RAAF and the U.S. Air Force, the airshow aims to strengthen the bonds between the two allied nations. Additionally, the event hopes to spark interest among attendees in exploring a career within the Australian Defence Force. Elliot said, “We are bringing this event to Australia at the perfect time to bolster the ADF’s ongoing recruitment efforts.”
The successful launch of the Pacific Airshow in Australia, Elliot added, could also attract other partner forces from the region and across the globe. He explained, “Our team is determined to establish the Pacific Airshow as the biggest annual event on the Gold Coast. It offers a prominent platform to showcase the strength of alliances, partnerships, and host foreign dignitaries.”
The RAAF F/A 18F Super Hornet, RAAF C-17A Globemaster III, and the RAAF C130 Hercules will feature at the airshow. The show also boasts displays from the Air Force Roulettes, the Royal Australian Air Force’s aerobatic team specialising in precision flying at low altitudes.
The U.S. Air Force will bring its KC-135R Stratotanker Demo Team, US Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey Demo, C-17A Globemaster III, and C-5M Super Galaxy. The U.S. Navy Leap Frog Parachute Demonstration Team, which includes active-duty Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen, and supporting staff, will also be part of the show.
Following the original Pacific Airshow’s successful launch in California in 2016, the Gold Coast edition is set to redefine the airshow experience, making it a three-day weekend event filled with exhilarating aerobatic demonstrations, VIP meet-and-greets, social gatherings, and much more.
Jan McCormick, CEO of Major Events Gold Coast, believes that the event will significantly transform the city’s landscape. She said, “With the 2023 dates now announced, the media and marketing buzz across Australia is sure to spur robust accommodation bookings, providing a much-needed boost to our tourism sector during the traditionally quieter August period.”
Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, set against the stunning backdrop of Surfers Paradise, is designed to celebrate friendship, family, awe-inspiring aviation feats, sports, entertainment, art, and technology. This over-water event promises four-plus hours of continuous action, making it a must-attend annual event for Southeast Queensland’s residents and visitors. The inaugural show is scheduled for 18-20 August 2023, with future dates to be announced.
