​Fans have been waiting, and the second performer announcement for the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast 2026 is finally here. Set for 14 to 16 August 2026, Surfers Paradise Beach will become the ultimate vantage point for three days of spectacular aviation directly over the water. If the first lineup set the stage, this new drop brings serious noise.
RAAF Firepower Hits the Beach
Leading the pack is the Royal Australian Air Force with its frontline fifth-generation stealth fighter, the F-35 Lightning II. When those jets ignite their burners over the beach, the crowd below will absolutely feel it.
“Our first performer drop set the tone, this announcement brings the firepower,” said Kevin Elliott, Pacific Airshow CEO and Director. “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. 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.”
Joining the stealth fighters are the beloved RAAF Roulettes bringing their signature precision in red and white stripes. The lineup is heavily supported by the RAAF No. 100 Squadron heritage warbird fleet, the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, and PC-9 training aircraft.
Helicopter Flips and Huge Crowds
For the first time in Australian skies, pilot Bryce Nietvelt will perform an aerobatic display in the BO-105 helicopter. The expanded lineup also includes a mix of restored WWII-era warbirds, high-energy aerobatic acts, and a wing suit display team dropping in over the coast.
The event is set to be massive for the local area. Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell MP noted that more than 19,000 visitors are expected to travel specifically for the airshow, which is forecast to flow more than $26 million into the economy.
“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.”
Organisers have teased that even more additions to the lineup will be confirmed closer to the event. For now, check out the combined list of performers announced so far.
The Complete Pacific Airshow 2026 Gold Coast Lineup (So Far)
Second Announcement Drop:
- RAAF F-35 Lightning II
- RAAF Roulettes
- RAAF No. 100 Squadron
- RAAF C-130 Hercules
- PC-9
- Bryce Nietvelt, BO-105 Aerobatic Helicopter Display
- Southern Knights Display Team
- Red Star Roolettes Display Team
- Jeff “Trappo” Trappett, C-47
- Andrew Kennedy, CAC Mustang and P-40 Kittyhawk
- Twin Vipers
- McDermott Aviation, C-160 Display
- Australian Wing Suit Display Team (Jacko Strong, Adrian van der Sluys, Jeff Wetherall and Jason Dunofski)
Previously Released Lineup:
- Jeff Boerbon Yak-110
- Gravity Industries Jet Suits
- United States Air Force Wings of Blue Parachute Team
- United States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey
- Queensland Fire Department Air Attack Demo
- Gold Coast Skydive
- Matt Hall
- Greg Colyer T-33
- Emma McDonald (EA-300)
- Screaming Diamonds
