OUR FUTURE MAKERS
Behind every incredible experience in the NXTGN STEM LAB is a group of organisations pushing boundaries, solving real-world challenges and helping shape the future.
Our Future Makers are innovators, educators, engineers, technologists and industry leaders who are passionate about inspiring the next generation. Through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and immersive demonstrations, students can explore STEM beyond the classroom and discover where their own interests could take them.
Get ready to meet the people and organisations turning big ideas into reality.
AVIATION AUSTRALIA’s young aviator HANGAR
If you've ever dreamed of a career in aviation, this is where your journey begins.
Located at the heart of the NXTGN STEM LAB, the Aviation Australia Young Aviator Hangar brings together some of the biggest names in aviation and aerospace for all three days of Pacific Airshow Gold Coast.
Explore career opportunities, experience the latest technology and meet the teams behind some of the world's most innovative aircraft and aerospace programs.
Featuring Boeing Defence Australia, Northrop Grumman Australia, Virgin Australia, Hypersonix Launch Systems and more, it's an unmissable stop for aspiring pilots, engineers, aviation professionals and anyone with a passion for flight.
PARTICIPATING BRANDS
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![Logo of Aviation Australia with a swoosh design and text.]()
AVIATION AUSTRALIA
Complete 'What's your Aviation DNA?' quiz, then explore the training pathways available for Cabin Crew, Pilot, Remote Pilot, Aircraft Maintenance and working with autonomous technologies.
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AEROSPACE GATEWAYS TO SCHOOLS PROGRAM
Talk about school-based aviation/aerospace education, pathways, and industry connection
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![Boeing logo in white on a black background.]()
BOEING
Complete a hands-on lock-wiring activity, maintenance virtual reality experience, paper plane challenge (outside), and 'full throttle' simulator experience
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![Logo with the words "Northrop Grumman" in bold white letters on a black background, with a white outline of a square bracket at the top right corner.]()
NORTHROP GRUMMAN
Engage with the team about pathways and build your own MQ-4C Triton - an advanced, high-altitude, long-endurance. unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
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![The word 'wish' written in white cursive text on a black background.]()
WISK AERO
Learn about advanced air mobility (air taxis) using virtual reality
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![Virgin Australia logo with a red triangular shape and white text on a black background.]()
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA
Engage with staff from across the airline about a variety of career pathways
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![Stylized black and white text logo that appears to spell 'Apex' in bold, block letters.]()
AUSTRALIAN HELICOPTER INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
Talk to the team about pathways at Airbus and rotary aircraft design.
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![Logo of Airway Aviation featuring red and white stylized text and stripes on a black background.]()
AIRWAYS AVIATION
Talk with the team about pilot pathways
AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE
Discover the people, technology and careers that keep Australia's Air Force flying. The Australian Defence Force brings together interactive experiences, cutting-edge equipment and personnel from across the Royal Australian Air Force, giving students and participants a rare opportunity to get up close with the aircraft, vehicles and technology that support operations around the globe.
Take on the Aviation Motivation Program flight simulators, explore the impressive Panther HRET airfield fire truck, meet the iconic Roulettes display team and chat with serving members from Air Combat Group, Air Mobility squadrons, No. 100 Squadron and ADF Careers. Whether you're considering a future in Defence or simply fascinated by aviation, this immersive precinct is your chance to experience life in the RAAF and discover where a career in aviation could take you.
AUSTRALIAN SPACE AGENCY
Pacific Airshow® Gold Coast might just be the coolest classroom on the planet.
The NXTGN STEM LAB is a collaborative experience designed to get students thinking, building and exploring across science, technology, engineering and mathematics in a fully immersive environment.
Schools are invited to attend our dedicated Students with Altitude Day on Friday 14 August 2026, where students can access both the NXTGN STEM Lab and Pacific Airshow at no cost.
As part of the program, students will hear from 2026 Australian of the Year and astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg, gaining insight into her journey and what she has learned along the way.
From meeting Australia’s Roo-ver to flight simulators and interactive challenges, students will engage with real-world technology and discover pathways into future careers.
This is an opportunity to get kids feeling curious about what’s possible, spark new interests and see STEM in motion in the skies above!
Register your school now to secure your place.
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE SPECIAL WARFARE
xThe U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Talent Scout team gives a rare opportunity to connect with some of the U.S Air Force's most elite career pathways. Covering the Los Angeles and Pacific region, the team works to inspire and identify the next generation of Special Warfare candidates through hands-on engagement, fitness challenges and career conversations. Bringing this activation to Pacific Airshow Gold Coast would add an exciting new dimension to the NXTGN STEM Lab, showcasing the physical, technical and mental skills required for these highly specialised roles while highlighting the diverse career opportunities available within the United States Air Force.
STUDENTS WITH ALTITUDE DAY FAQs
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Any parents of students that are not registered as part of your school registration but would like to attend, are welcome to attend by purchasing a Friday General Admission ticket.
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Pacific Airshow can produce loud noise during some of the performances. If children don't like loud noises or you are worried about the noise, we advise you to bring along some earplugs.
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Food and beverages are available to purchase on site but small homemade personal food (so a kid’s lunchbox) can be brought in but will need to be kept with the child/group (there is no cold storage on site). Please note that NO GLASS is allowed to enter the venue.
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Yes, further information will be provided to you in early August regarding tickets for your school.
Teachers and helpers will also be required to bring along ID on the day.
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Pacific Airshow is a highly photographed event. Images of students may be used in future promotions of our event. Please ensure parents are aware of this when signing their excursion permissions. Full Program Terms & Conditions are attached to this email, and our standard Ticket Policy is available online (https://pacificairshowaus.com/ticket-policy). Attendance at the event constitutes agreement to these terms on behalf of the students.
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It’s up to you to keep track of your students. We suggest having your students wear an identifying item, like their school uniform, brightly colored shirt or a simple wristband with a teacher's contact number on the day. This way, if anyone gets separated, our friendly on-site event team can quickly help them find their way back to you.
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No. You’ll be responsible for taking your class through the NXTGN STEM LAB zone. Closer to the event we will email you a recommended time for your class. This is a suggested time to avoid congestion in the area.