BCP COUNCIL has been having talks with a California-based air show operator, the Echo can exclusively reveal. 

Pacific Airshow is the “largest air show in the United States by attendance” when it is held annual on Huntington Beach in Orange County, Los Angeles. 

Like Bournemouth Air Festival, the Pacific Airshow is held every year on a beach near a pier showcasing the “world’s finest display teams”. 

And its organisers have confirmed to the Echo they have been involved in talks with BCP Council about taking over the popular show. 

A spokeswoman for Pacific Airshow said: “We can confirm that Pacific Airshow organisers participated in BCP Council’s process, but we do not have additional information at this time.” 

Red Arrows, by Richard CreaseRed Arrows, by Richard Crease

According to sources, organisers for Pacific Airshow were also spotted being shown around this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival. 

Previously, BCP Council has said the potential new operator – who it has not named – would like to host a new show across three days, between Friday and Sunday. 

The Pacific Airshow hosts its events across three days in early October, as well as a three day show on Australia's Gold Coast every August.

Culture cabinet member Andy Martin previously said at cabinet earlier this month the new show could be a “different beast” and would be commercialised, specifically between the two piers. 

Pacific Airshow is described as having “on-sand entertainment, signing sessions with your favourite air show performers, beach bars, music and much more”. 

But crucially the Californian operators have hosted fan favourites the Red Arrows in the past. 

This year’s Pacific Airshow, which ended on October 6, saw a host of displays including fighter jets take to the skies. 

From the US Air Force, there were F-16s, F-22s, F-35s as well as heritage flights, helicopters and a special B-1B Lancer, affectionally known as the BONE. 

Back here, BCP Council has said an air show will not be held in 2025 – no matter what contracts are signed. This is because there is a lot to work out and arrange with a potential operator.

BCP Council also said the potential operator wants a 10-year contract and has “key links to the European Airshow Council (EAC) and the UK Air Display Symposiums”. 

The local authority said: “The potential operator attended the 2024 event to gain insight into the further work that is needed.  

“It is noted that some of this work will require more detailed discussions before a full appraisal can be undertaken and any future operator agreement can be entered into to ensure all risks are fully explored.”