Pacific Airshow Gold Coast

Pacific Airshow Gold Coast is a three-day adrenaline-fuelled extravaganza captivating audiences with breath-taking aerobatic demonstrations, high-G maneuvers, thrilling aerial performances and an epic celebration. It will be the largest airshow event to ever take place in Australia and it’s happening on the Gold Coast from August 18th - 20th.

Spectators will watch in wonder from the sands of Surfers Paradise as the skies are transformed into a stage where some of the best pilots, performers and military aviators from around the world wow the crowds with incredible aerial performances over the ocean. Think thrilling fly-bys from military jets, sky divers, formation flying, stunt planes and so much more. On the ground there’ll be plenty of family entertainment to enjoy, plus displays, activation and parties!

One of the aviators taking to the skies for the event is Australian aviator Matt Hall. Matt is a Red Bull Air Race world champion third-generation pilot, a former Royal Australian Air Force fighter combat instructor and international unlimited aerobatic competitor. He’s someone who’s well acquainted with the excitement, spectacle and pure thrill of a grand scale airshow, and since the Gold Coast has never seen anything like it before, we asked him a few Qs about this major event.

What can the spectators expect from the Pacific Airshow? 
Spectators will be blown away! They will be witnessing some of the best pilots and most fascinating aircraft in the world. Most people will have never seen the variety of aircraft, the proximity to them and will be totally in awe of what these elite pilots can do. You can't ask for a more awesome backdrop at Surfers Paradise. It’s a huge party festival vibe, there is literally something mind blowing happening everywhere you turn. The Americans have a very mature airshow scene and to experience that here in Australia is a pretty special occasion.

What’s the most exciting thing for you about this event?
The fact it's changing the air show mold. These events are usually held at an airfield, which needs transport, parking and general facilities. In this instance they're are doing it using the beach and ocean as a natural amphitheater and bringing the show to the people, rather than the other way around.

What aircraft will you by flying at the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast? Will you be flying solo or as part of a team?
I will be flying an MXS-R aircraft in my solo displays and formation displays with Emma McDonald. The MX’s top speed is 240 knots, roll rate 420 degrees per second and gets up to 14G. This is my retired race plane, made in Australia and one of a kind.

Anything you’ve heard about that you want to try, experience or see on the Gold Coast while you’re here for the Pacific Airshow?
We have a big itinerary throughout the show and we will be showing off the Gold Coast's best to our international colleagues. A few amazing restaurants, natural wonders, whales, dolphins and native animals are on the hit list. We will definitely get in the surf for some active recovery sessions and soak up some sunshine on the beach.