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The 2024 Pacific Airshow Gold Coast has wrapped for its second year, with ticketed attendance figures up 20 per cent from its debut in 2023.
The air show, held over the weekend, achieved 100 per cent occupancy throughout Surfers Paradise and over 92 per cent occupancy across the Gold Coast, according to figures from Experience Gold Coast. Organisers say the number of non-ticketed spectators also increased “significantly”.
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“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees and local businesses alike celebrating the event’s success,” said Kevin Elliott, director of Pacific Airshow.
“Traders from Coolangatta to Paradise Point have reported record-breaking sales, thanks in part to our expanded venue, which helped draw crowds further into Northern and Southern Gold Coast areas beyond the traditional Surfers precinct.
“Looking ahead, we’re already planning for the 2025 Pacific Airshow, with the date to be announced soon and tickets going on sale shortly after. We’re confident that this year’s success will translate into even greater economic impact for the Gold Coast, with detailed figures to be provided by Experience Gold Coast once their economic impact report is completed.”
Military displays included the RAAF’s F35A Lightning II and F/A-18F Super Hornet; US Air Force F-22 Raptors, KC135 tanker and C-17 heavy jets; and the RAF Falcons and US Navy Leap Frogs parachute teams.
“These performances showcased the unmatched skill and professionalism of our military aviators, highlighting the strong ties between Australian and allied forces,” said Elliott.
“The event was not only a spectacular display of aviation but also a heartfelt tribute to our military personnel, especially as we marked Vietnam Veterans’ Day.
“Civilian performers also dazzled the crowds, with standout performances by Jeff Boerboon in his Yak 110, Emma McDonald from Matt Hall Racing, Matt Hall himself, Aarron Deliu and Greg Colyer flying the T-33 Shooting Star, the first of its kind to ever fly in Australia.”
This year’s air show saw an expanded footprint after the inaugural event in 2023 attracted around 250,000 people, including 100,000 paying attendees. The 2024 edition took up around 1.5 kilometres of the Surfers Paradise Esplanade, up from 1 kilometre in 2023.
The Pacific Airshow Gold Coast was created by the team behind the Pacific Airshow at Huntington Beach, California, which attracts 3 million visitors.
Launched in 2016, the original Pacific Airshow in California in 2021 included aerial displays by the US Navy Blue Angels, US Air Force Thunderbirds, Royal Air Force Red Arrows, and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.
