The Atlantic City Air Show is returning to South Jersey on July 15 and 16, which is great news for Atlantic City casinos and the rest of the local tourism industry. The show is back after getting cancelled last year because of financial issues and a major act dropping out.
Hotels and casinos will benefit from the influx of tourists the show is expected to bring. It brought 458,000 people in 2023, which generated between $50-$70 million in economic activity for the region.
The Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) emailed a statement to PlayNJ on the Atlantic City Air Show returning this July:
“The Casino Association of New Jersey is thrilled to hear that the Atlantic City Airshow will be returning this summer. The airshow has always been a highlight during the summer season, and we look forward to celebrating this renowned event in July.
“Along with world-class gaming, exciting concerts, a replenished beach, delicious food, and an all-star lineup of entertainment options, Atlantic City is the place to be this summer.
“We want to thank New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, CRDA Executive Director Eric Scheffler and Visit Atlantic City President and CEO Gary Musich for their efforts to bring the airshow back.”
Air Show’s fate had been up in the air
The Air Show had been experiencing financial issues, but got last-minute funding in March 2023 from the South Jersey Transportation Authority to keep the show on schedule, providing $300,000.
According to BreakingAC.com, Visit Atlantic City is funding the show with $350,000. The Atlantic City Air Show is partnering with Herb Gillen Airshows to bring the spectacle to South Jersey.
Atlantic City Mayor, Marty Small, explained to BreakingAC.com the importance of the show to the retail casino market:
“The airshow is important for our casinos, businesses, and for our tourism and hospitality industry as a whole, and the Small administration has always offered our support to do what needs to be done to make sure this event lives on.
“Kudos to Visit Atlantic City, the CRDA, the Greater AC Chamber and everyone involved in bringing this event back to the Great City of Atlantic City this summer.”
July and August are the two busiest months for Atlantic City casinos. It also appears that the show has been saved for the next four to five years, too.
