The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform during the 2022 Meet AC Atlantic City Airshow. Atlantic City announced Wednesday, March 20, 2024, the airshow, a major summer event at the Shore, will go ahead thanks to a $300,000 infusion of cash from the South Jersey Transportation Authority. (Lori M. Nichols, nj.com/TNS)
(Tribune News Service) — Atlantic City announced Wednesday the Atlantic City Airshow, a major summer event at the Shore, will go ahead thanks to a $300,000 infusion of cash from the South Jersey Transportation Authority. The announcement comes days after concerns were raised about the financial health of the annual airshow.
City officials and the business organization that puts the annual show together said the state funds will be used to cover costs associated with putting on the event. Mayor Marty Small Sr. said between $250,000 and $300,000 was needed to ensure the event happens as scheduled.
“We’re not having beach concerts this summer, I said, so it’s vitally important that we save this airshow,” Small said from his office Wednesday.
The South Jersey Transportation Authority is providing $300,000 to assist the airshow, rescuing an event that draws roughly 500,000 people to Atlantic City’s beaches and last year generated a $50 million impact on the local economy. The authority operates the Atlantic City Expressway and Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township.
“For over two decades, the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) has played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the Atlantic City Airshow,” the agency said in a statement. “But for 2024, our commitment to the airshow goes beyond just providing in-kind assistance; it’s about fostering community spirit, promoting economic growth, and showcasing the best of what our region has to offer.”
Another problem remains as the airshow seeks a main act to replace the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, which will not appear this year because of a scheduling change.
Gov. Phil Murphy worked with Atlantic City to secure the money to fund the event. Murphy, on Wednesday, said Small reached out to him directly and was happy to support the event.
“We were able to come up with the support that he needed to make this a reality,” Murphy told reporters following a bill signing in Perth Amboy. “We’re thrilled.”
The event has been held in the city for 20 years, evolving into a marvel that is free entertainment for crowds in neighboring Shore towns. It is put on by the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber’s president, Michael Chait, said Wednesday that inflation has dampened sponsorship opportunities. Concerns over the financial health of the event began around July of last year, he said.
More costs go into the event than many fans may realize, Chait said.
“You have to pay for private security multiple days overnight,” Chait said. “Another expense that was new last year was an ice truck. Every one of these little expenses, in addition to inflation, adds up.”
Chait said while the financial aid helps cover expenses this year, the chamber must still weigh options to sustain the event’s budget. “Our primary focus is on 2024, obviously, to make sure this event is as successful and as exciting as it has been in years past,” he said.
Airshows have become a popular form of amusement in New Jersey since about 1910, when Atlantic City and Asbury Park were among the first to host them.
Atlantic City’s show isn’t the only one with questions surrounding financial health to be held. The Millville Army Airfield canceled its show earlier this month. Securing sponsorships was cited as a reason for the decision.
“The airshow industry, overall, is struggling with this dynamic,” Chait said.
NJ.com staff writer Jelani Gibson contributed to this report.
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