Here’s Why The Atlantic City, NJ, Airshow 2024 Is Cancelled (2024)

It is the absolute last thing that Michael Chait wanted to do. Chait is the president of The Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce.

In the end, he had no choice.

A decision such as this is not to he taken lightly.

This was done in consultation with the South Jersey Transportation Authority, Visit Atlantic City and The Governors Office.

The Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce and (title sponsor) Visit Atlantic City explored all options available before making the decision to cancel The Atlantic City Airshow 2024.

Here is the official joint statement on the cancellation and then I’ll share some additional thoughts:

In earlier reporting, we shared that both The USAF Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" and The Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron of the United States Navy are no longer available for a midweek airshow.

They are both showstoppers and have earned a tremendous following, who travel to view them throughout the country.

For the first time in Atlantic City Air Show history ... neither The Thunderbirds nor The Blue Angels would have been able to appear at The Visit Atlantic City Airshow, when it returns on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 13 & 14 for 2024.

This left the Atlantic City Airshow without the desired showstopper demonstration squadron.

Despite this, Michael Chait and his team have worked very hard to put a world-class show together, featuring diverse military and civilian apparatus.

Chait masterfully cobbled … what would have been a great 2024 Atlantic City Airshow.

Chait appeared to secure an Atlantic City appearance by Polaris Dawn.

This fabulous Polaris Dawn squadron was set to appear at the Atlantic City Airshow.

They would have been a spectacular finale for the 2024 Visit Atlantic City Airshow.

Unfortunately, they are no longer available to perform.

This resulted in canceling the 2024 Atlantic City Airshow.

If you haven't heard about Polaris Program, here is their mission (from PolarisProgram.com):

ABOUT THE POLARIS MISSION:

No earlier than 2024, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Polaris Dawn mission from historic Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Dragon and the Polaris Dawn crew will spend up to five days in orbit, during which they will work towards the following objectives:

This Dragon mission will take advantage of Falcon 9 and Dragon's maximum performance, flying higher than any Dragon mission to date and endeavoring to reach the highest Earth orbit ever flown. Orbiting through portions of the Van Allen radiation belt, Polaris Dawn will conduct research with the aim of better understanding the effects of spaceflight and space radiation on human health.

Look at this fabulous photo:

THE THUNDERBIRDS OFFERED THIS SUPPORT & GUIDANCE TO ATLANTIC CITY GOING FORWARD:

The US Air Force Thunderbirds are an elite aerial demonstration team that performs around the world to inspire and unite people. Performing in two cities every week, the Thunderbirds schedule approximately 70 airshows each year to be performed from March to November. Each year's schedule is developed two years in advance and takes into account a myriad of factors from recruiting to logistics. The Atlantic City airshow is one of few that have been scheduled mid-week in the past, putting a logistical strain on the team to perform in three cities in one week and reducing the number of performances and community activities that the Thunderbirds are able to provide as our standard. In order for the Thunderbirds to bring Atlantic City the fullest experience and best possible performances in the future, we are requesting that the Atlantic City airshow move to a standard weekend timeframe. A standard weekend show affords the team an additional day of practice over a challenging show site in addition to an extra performance day for the city. It also deconflicts from school and summer camp schedules and activities to allow families, both local and abroad, more flexibility to attend. Our hope is to return to Atlantic City in future years with a full weekend of elite aerial demonstrations and outreach activities for the community.

Attention is now focused on trying to put a show together for 2025, if possible and then reconnecting withThe USAF Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" and The Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron of the United States Navy for 2026 and beyond.

Another challenge that will have to overcome would be a limited number of weekends that the Atlantic City Airshow could land The Thunderbirds or The Blue Angels.

Because there will not be a military jet team available, a 2025 Atlantic City Airshow remains in doubt at this time.

The Atlantic City Airshow has had in incomparable 20-year run as the best mid-week air show in America.

In order for the Atlantic City Airshow to remain viable and sustainable, a move to the weekend appears to be inevitable.

Summer. 2024 will be remembered for no summer beach concerts and now, no Atlantic City Airshow.

We must band together to rectify this going forward. The Atlantic City Airshow is a community happening. It will be sorely missed this summer.

After 20 glorious years … the survival of the Atlantic City Airshowcurrently hangs in the balance.