A last-minute infusion of public funding will allow the Atlantic City Airshow to take off this summer after all.
According to a local news report, the South Jersey Transportation Authority is providing $300,000 in funding for the 2024 airshow. The SJTA, which oversees the Atlantic City Expressway and jointly operates the Atlantic City International Airport, will also be a sponsor of the 2024 Visit Atlantic City Airshow.
Atlantic City casinos and other regional businesses benefit greatly from the annual influx of tourists, with some reports suggesting the economic impact is in the tens of millions of dollars.
Despite dire outlook, the AC Airshow must go on
The SJTA’s involvement puts to rest concerns that the AC Airshow was being postponed in 2024 and 2025 due to a lack of funding.
Gov. Phil Murphy announced the new arrangement Tuesday.
“The Atlantic City Airshow brings thousands of spectators to the beaches of Atlantic City every year and is essential to the success of the city’s economy,” Murphy said, according to The Press of Atlantic City.
“We’re thrilled to announce a partnership with the South Jersey Transportation Authority and Atlantic City International Airport to ensure this fantastic event takes place this summer.”
Atlantic City Airshow brings money to casinos, Jersey Shore
The AC Airshow is one of the largest free events in New Jersey. Last year’s show attracted 458,000 over the course of two days, according to the event’s organizers. The business community estimates the 2023 airshow generated between $50 million and $70 million in economic activity for the region.
The Greater Atlantic City Chamber, Visit Atlantic City and David Schultz Airshows jointly organize the annual event.
GAAC President Michael Chait and Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. are scheduled to hold a joint press conference at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the City Hall courtyard.
On Monday, Small told a local radio station, WOND, that the future of the airshow was uncertain. Rumors had been swirling around Atlantic City and Atlantic County for days about the possibility of the airshow being permanently grounded.
Future of AC Airshow still unclear, costs rising
Sources tell PlayNJ that without a realistic financial commitment from key stakeholders, the long-term future of the AC Airshow is still up in the air.
The cost of the 2023 airshow gave the organizers sticker shock, with inflation playing a part. The airshow team also had to spend additional money on security, insurance and staging. And those costs, the organizers say, have increased significantly in recent years.
