The Atlantic City Airshow, also known as “Thunder Over the Boardwalk,” has been wowing spectators for over a decade. It all began in 2003 when the introductory airshow took to the skies above Atlantic City’s iconic boardwalk.
Since then, it has become an annual tradition that brings together aviation enthusiasts, families, and beachgoers for a day of high-flying excitement. Unlike typical weekend shows, the Atlantic City Airshow breaks the mold by taking place smack dab in the middle of the week—on a Wednesday, to be precise. It’s a refreshing midweek escape that adds an extra thrill to your hump day routine.
But what really sets this show apart is its breathtaking location. As planes zip and swirl through the air, they perform jaw-dropping maneuvers at heights of up to 15,000 feet and as low as 50 feet over the glistening waters of the Atlantic, right in front of the stunning Atlantic City skyline.
It’s a sight to behold—one that combines the excitement of aviation with the beauty of the beachfront. What’s even more impressive is the lineup of military aviation demonstrations that leave spectators in awe year after year.
Among the stars of the show are the renowned USAF Thunderbirds, United States Navy Blue Angels, and US Army Golden Knights. These elite teams showcase their precision and skill with incredible aerial maneuvers that never fail to captivate the crowd.
In addition to these headline acts, the airshow features demonstrations from a variety of current Air Force and Navy aircraft, including the formidable A-10 Thunderbolt II, versatile AV-8B Harrier, iconic F-14 Tomcat, powerful F-15 Eagle and F-15E Strike Eagle, nimble F-16 Fighting Falcon, and cutting-edge F/A-18F Super Hornet.
Over the years, the Atlantic City Airshow has also played host to an impressive array of military flybys, featuring iconic aircraft such as the stealthy B-2 Spirit, massive C-5 Galaxy, agile C-17 Globemaster III, legendary C-130 Hercules, historic C-141 Starlifter, advanced F-22 Raptor, aerial refueling giants like the KC-10 Extender and KC-135 Stratotanker, and maritime patrol aircraft like the P-3 Orion.
What we cover
This year’s airshow almost ever happened
As preparations for the 2024 airshow began, organizers quickly realized that they were facing a daunting obstacle: a shortage of funds. Without sufficient financial support, the airshow was at risk of being canceled, leaving fans disappointed and dealing a blow to the local economy.
The financial deficit stemmed from a variety of factors, including rising costs associated with securing performers, maintaining safety standards, and covering logistical expenses. Additionally, uncertainties related to sponsorship deals and ticket sales further worsened the funding challenges.
Hosting the Atlantic City Airshow entails many expenses, with the total cost hovering around $300,000. This considerable sum covers various aspects of event planning and execution, from securing permits and coordinating logistics to providing essential services and amenities for attendees.
A large portion of the airshow budget is allocated towards securing participation from military demonstration teams and civilian performers. These performers often travel long distances to showcase their aerial prowess, necessitating expenses such as transportation, accommodations, and performance fees.
In addition to performer-related costs, infrastructure, and operational expenses also contribute to the overall budget. This includes expenditures associated with setting up spectator viewing areas, erecting safety barriers, deploying emergency medical services, and managing crowd control measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Also, promotional efforts to market the airshow and attract spectators incur additional expenditures. Advertising campaigns, media outreach, and promotional materials are vital components of generating awareness and driving attendance, although it’s typically at an added cost to organizers.
With the clock ticking and the airshow’s future hanging in the balance, organizers sprang into action to find creative solutions to bridge the funding gap. As concerns mounted over the possibility of the 2024 Atlantic City Airshow being grounded due to financial constraints, Governor Murphy and Mayor Small sprang into action.
Recognizing the importance of the event to the local economy and community morale, they worked tirelessly to secure the necessary funds to keep the airshow spiraling. With the financial lifeline provided by Governor Murphy and Mayor Small, plans for the airshow proceeded without interruption, much to the delight of aviation enthusiasts and beachgoers alike.
A last-minute infusion of public funding is what finally allowed the Atlantic City Airshow to take off this summer. As per a local news report, the South Jersey Transportation Authority provided $300,000 in funding for the 2024 airshow. The SJTA, which oversaw the Atlantic City Expressway and jointly operated the Atlantic City International Airport, also sponsored the 2024 Visit Atlantic City Airshow.
The 2024 airshow, dubbed “A Salute to Those Who Serve,” was set for Tuesday, August 13, and Wednesday, August 14. The city’s chamber of commerce estimated that the show led to a $50 million economic impact despite most of the event being free to beachgoers.
To ensure that people are treated to the air show next year, the state needs to do its best to diversify its funding sources. Relying solely on public funding has led to uncertainty, as seen during the pandemic and most recently. The organizers should explore partnerships with private sponsors, local businesses, and tourism organizations to secure additional financial support.
Plus, creating a reserve fund specifically designated for the airshow can provide a financial buffer during times of economic instability or unexpected challenges. This fund could be built through donations, sponsorships, and a portion of ticket sales.
While most of the event may be free to attendees, exploring revenue-generating opportunities such as premium seating, merchandise sales, and VIP experiences can also provide an additional source of income to support the airshow’s operations.
Final Thoughts
the Atlantic City Airshow of 2024 faced uncertainty due to a shortage of funds, threatening a beloved Jersey Shore tradition. However, thanks to last-minute public funding provided by the South Jersey Transportation Authority, the show was able to proceed as scheduled, ensuring that spectators could enjoy the thrilling aerial displays and festivities.
The event’s significance to the local economy and its longstanding tradition of honoring military service were preserved, highlighting the community’s resilience and commitment to celebrating those who serve.
