The Great Pacific Airshow Announces 2018 Performers
Third Annual Airshow returns to Huntington Beach, Oct. 19 – 21
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, The Great Pacific Airshow, returning to Huntington Beach this Oct. 19 – 21, announces the heart stopping aerobatic, warbird and military performers for this year’s show.
Headlining the show for a second time is the pride of the Air Force, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Flying Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcons, the Thunderbirds perform with mind-bending precision and choreographed sequences that electrify audiences with every roll, pass and formation.
Jeff Boerboon is no stranger to the Great Pacific Airshow; fans may remember Boerboon’s Screaming Sasquatch, the jet propelled biplane that performed in 2016. Making its West Coast debut and bringing twice the excitement to Huntington Beach at this year’s airshow is Jeff Boerboon’s Yak 110. This one of a kind aircraft is made up of two fuselages, two propellers, one jet engine and one pilot. Boerboon’s performance will include rolls, dives and spins that will thrill attendees of all ages.
Another returning favorite will be the Lyon Air Museum’s C-47 Dakota, also known as the “Willa Dean.” This plane is one of the most complete and original C-47s currently in operation and has been flying since 1941. Flying another piece of history is Greg Colyer who will fly a T-33 he named the “Ace Maker,” the U.S. Air Force’s first operational jet.
Seasoned airshow professional and fan-favorite, Bill Stein, will be flying his Edge 540. Stein began flying aerobatics when he was still a student pilot and has performed at air shows all across the United States for over 20 years. Michael Wiskus is another experienced professional who has been flying planes for over 40 years. In fact, Wiskus has never had any other job. He will be flying Lucas Oil’s stunt plane “Super Stinker,” formally known as the S-1-11B. This plane has been redesigned from its original build to reach new heights that will wow crowds at this year’s airshow.
The Huntington Beach Police Department and Marine Safety Division will again team for a Search and Rescue Demo that will show their techniques for open water rescues.
Military performers include a U.S. Air Force C-17 Gobemaster III, one the largest military transfer aircraft, and KC 135 Stratotanker. These two aircraft will perform a simulated air-to-air refueling demostration.
Returning for its third year will be the FedEx 757. This transport craft thrilled the crowds in 2017 when during a low, high speed pass the Boeing 757 achieved aerodynamic contrails, or vapor, over the wings.
Fans will also have the opportunity to experience the country’s most remarkable over-the-water Airshow from the best seats in the house. New VIP ticketing options provide premium viewing experiences, with food and beverage options, and even seating on the pier. For more information visit pacificairshow.com/tgpatickets. No matter where you are, your experience will be enhanced with the live audio simulcast through the KFI AM 640 radio app. Download it now and enjoy pre-show interviews with pilots, tips for visiting the show and more.
Follow The Great Pacific Airshow on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram - @PacificAirshow
*Performer line up can change based on aircraft availability and other assignments, particularly for military. These changes or substitutions are at the discretion of the airshow.
Photo: Huntington Beach resident Kevin Elliott, seen on the Huntington Beach Pier this week, is the new owner of the Great Pacific Airshow, formerly known as the Breitling Huntington Beach Airshow. (Photo by Mike Mullen)
The below story appeared in the Los Angeles Times "Daily Pilot" section on 7/27/2018
The popular air show that began in Huntington Beach two years ago will return under new ownership in October with an organizer’s pledge to make the renamed exhibition the largest “outdoor lifestyle” event in California.
“We’re going to be doing some big changes, some of which may be deferred to 2019, due to the impact of the timeline we’re dealing with,” said Huntington Beach resident Kevin Elliott, who took the helm of the event in June.
The aviation aficionado said he hit the ground running to “cram 24 months of work into four months” for an event he says has “great regional appeal.” Military aspects are already being requested for 2020, he added.
The free show slated for Oct. 19-21, originally known as the Breitling Huntington Beach Airshow and now called the Great Pacific Airshow, features civilian and military aviation performers roaring over the beach before thousands of spectators.
“At the end of the day, Huntington Beach is our host city and venue, but it’s a Southern California air show,” Elliott said. “It’s a tremendous impact for Southern California. We wanted a name to reflect that.”
Elliott attended the inaugural show with his wife in 2016 and was inspired to offer assistance with plans to one day “bring it to local ownership.” His Huntington Beach-based design company, Code Four, will help produce this year’s event.
Popular acts such as the Air Force Thunderbirds will return this fall for a 75-minute air demonstration featuring 40 maneuvers that include a mix of formation flying and solo routines.
The lineup also includes Blackstone Airways, FedEx 757, Lyon Air Museum's Douglas C-47 and demonstrations from the Huntington Beach Police Department Air Support Unit.
New viewing opportunities, such as paid seating on the pier or a premium viewing area on the beach, will be offered, according to Elliott.
Event spokeswoman Barbara Caruso said Breitling, a Swiss watchmaker, will not return as the title sponsor; the company divested from aviation activities after being sold.
City leaders raised concerns about the event’s financial future last year after the inaugural show in 2016 lost about $400,000, despite attracting more than 560,000 visitors.
Those concerns were quashed in February after a study by city staff concluded that 2017’s air show — which drew more than 2 million spectators — helped local businesses and carried no additional taxpayer costs.
City expenses neared $169,000, including about $65,000 for police. However, Huntington Beach collected $92,000 in parking revenue, and the remaining costs, about $77,000, were recouped from the show promoter.
Mayor Mike Posey said in a statement that “our community has embraced the air show for the special experience it is — bringing together families and friends for a patriotic event. The air show is also important to the financial bottom line of the city of Huntington Beach, local business and beyond.”
For more information, visit pacificairshow.com.
(L-R) Huntington Beach Mayor Mike Posey, Code Four CEO Kevin Elliott, and Huntington Surf & Sport Founder Aaron Pai
Airshow Makes Triumphant Return to Huntington Beach
Rebranded as The Great Pacific Airshow, US Air Force Thunderbirds to Perform October 19 - 21, 2018
(Huntington Beach, CA) July 12, 2018 – This October 19 - 21, the spectacular Airshow that launched in Huntington Beach, CA two years ago will make a triumphant return as The Great Pacific Airshow, a name that reflects the event’s regional appeal. Now owned by Pacific Airshow, LLC and produced by local Huntington Beach business Code Four, this year’s Airshow will feature the thrilling sights and sounds of The United States Air Force Thunderbirds and many more civilian and military performers.
Under the new leadership of Kevin Elliott, CEO of Code Four, The Great Pacific Airshow will return with similar activations as the 2017 show including the festival area at Pier Plaza, upgraded viewing experiences and corporate chalets. Code Four’s support of the 2017 show was integral to the event’s success. With local roots and major events and production experience, Elliott will spearhead the event’s production and growth as it becomes one of the country’s largest outdoor lifestyle festivals.
“The Great Pacific Airshow is an incredible event to have here in Huntington Beach, and I am honored and excited to be leading the show going forward,” said Airshow Director Kevin Elliott. “The Great Pacific Airshow will offer attendees of all ages an enjoyable, family-friendly experience that also delivers business opportunities and economic value for Southern California.”
“Our community has embraced the Airshow for the special experience it is - bringing together families and friends for a patriotic event. The Airshow is also important to the financial bottom line of the city of Huntington Beach, local businesses and beyond,” said Huntington Beach Mayor Mike Posey. “We are excited to have Kevin Elliott and Code Four producing the event this year and into the future. Local ownership is exactly how we envision this event growing to new heights.”
Local partnerships are important to The Great Pacific Airshow, which has partnered with Huntington Surf & Sport as the exclusive provider of Airshow merchandise.
Last year, Huntington Surf & Sport designed and produced the official Airshow T-shirts, and this year, the company will expand their offerings.
“The Airshow has become a key event in the community calendar, and Huntington Surf & Sport is proud to partner with Kevin and the show to produce Official Airshow merchandise. This will be our 3rd year and we are super excited!” said Aaron Pai, owner and Founder of Huntington Surf & Sport.
The Airshow will continue its partnership with iHeart Media and KFI AM 640 that will include a free simulcast of the Airshow audio through the iHeartRadio App.
The Great Pacific Airshow is set to wow the crowd with the Air Force Thunderbirds’ sharply choreographed, drill-style routine exhibiting some of the maximum capabilities of the F-16 Falcon – the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet. In addition to the unparalleled refinement of the Thunderbirds, the family friendly show includes top civilian performers showcasing high-energy aerobatics, vintage warbirds and more.
The Airshow is free of charge to the public. Last year’s show had over two million people in attendance and that number is only expected to grow this year. RV Camping will be available for local and faraway fans with a Thursday, 10:00 a.m. move-in and Monday, 10:00 a.m. move-out. The four-night stay is $1,600 and can be reserved at https://sunsetvistacamping.huntingtonbeachca.gov/
There are many ways for the community and local businesses to get involved with the 2018 show. Volunteers are needed, and vendor applications for food and beverage, brand activations and community organizations are currently being accepted through the Airshow’s website - PacificAirshow.com.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available as well as chalets for private events with premium viewing. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Barbara Caruso at 714/328-3273 or barbara@c-squaredpr.com. Follow The Great Pacific Airshow on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram - @pacificairshow