The Pacific Airshow has been hailed as a massive success for the Gold Coast following three days of epic action.
The inaugural aviation show has officially wrapped up after wowing crowds over the weekend with breathtaking aerial displays by some of the world’s greatest pilots.
It’s the first of its kind for the city, and even country, with locals and tourists alike well and truly embracing the festival of flight, which drew crowds of close to 300,000 people.
More than 100,000 tickets were officially sold for the event, while another 200,000 fans enjoyed the world-class aerobatics and manoeuvres from hotels, beaches and oceanway.
The weather also turned it on for the Surfers Paradise spectacular, with sunshine, blue skies and warm temperatures the icing on the cake for what was a truly remarkable weekend for the city.
“What an awesome event! Perfect for the GC. Great crowds and atmosphere. Well done everyone,” one person wrote.
“Amazing show we attended all 3 days and loved it! Thank you for choosing Gold Coast to host the fabulous event! Cant wait for next year!” commented another.
While a third added “100 percent a brilliant, well organised, professional show. Thank you to all the pilots they just blew me away. Just amazing. Loved every minute thank you.”
Queensland Police also praised the behaviour of crowds, with no issues across the three days.
“The crowds who came out to watch the spectacular aerial displays as part of the Pacific Airshow were well behaved,” Queensland Police said in a statement.
“Officers thanked attendees for helping make it such a successful event, so everyone could enjoy themselves across the three days.”
Planning is now already underway to make next year’s event even bigger and better, with the Gold Coast having secured the Pacific Airshow for another four years.
Mayor Tom Tate said he couldn’t be prouder of the city.
“To see the crowds of people enjoying three days of perfect weather and incredible displays was a special moment for me and a highlight of my time as Mayor,” he said.
“Congratulations to Kevin Elliot and Code Four, along with Jan McCormick and Major Events Gold Coast on a fantastic inaugural Airshow.
“Thank you to all those in the air and on the ground who made it happen.
“And thank you, Gold Coasters, for all your positive feedback. The most common enquiry by far: “Will it be back next year?”
“The answer is yes – the Gold Coast will host the Pacific Airshow for the next four years. It will only get bigger and better from here.”
