The Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach begins today and runs through Sunday featuring aviation performances by military and civilians alike.
The three-day airshow is the largest in the world by attendance — last year’s event helped bring in around 3 million people to the area — and director Kevin Elliott announced an expansion to Gold Coast, Australia in May. Gold Coast’s mayor, Tom Tate, will be in attendance this weekend to celebrate the partnership.
Fellow Australian and reigning Red Bull Air Race Global Champion Matt Hall, also an ambassador for the Gold Coast airshow, will be flying for the first time in the Huntington Beach event.
As 2022 marks the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force, the branch’s team known as the Thunderbirds will be participating this year starring two Surf City locals. On Oct. 1, the event will be live streamed on Hulu.
Organized by Huntington Beach-based Code Four, the event generated north of $100 million for the OC economy in 2019, according to an economic impact report commissioned by Visit Huntington Beach.
“We are thrilled to have the Pacific Airshow return for the 6th time to Huntington Beach,” the marketing organization’s CEO Kelly Miller said. “Our hotels and resorts are high in occupancy this weekend and we look forward to welcoming everyone to Surf City USA to witness the performers and take advantage of our endless summer weather.”
