EAA AirVenture 2024 breaks attendance record again

OSHKOSH, WI – (WGBW & WISS) – The final numbers are in. And it was a record-breaking year for EAA AirVenture 2024. The largest fly-in in the world saw a record number of visitors, exhibitors, and representatives from foreign countries.

EAA CEO and Chairman Jack Pelton said, “This year’s tag line was ‘Inspiring the Future of Aviation’ and AirVenture 2024 certainly did that in countless ways. The mix of innovation, history, excitement, and fun that is a hallmark of Oshkosh was present throughout the grounds and made the event a memorable one, filled with numerous ‘Only at Oshkosh’ moments in the air and on the grounds.”

Approximately 686,000 visitors attended the week-long event. There were almost 2,600 attendees who registered at the International Visitors Tent, representing 98 countries outside of the United States. That’s a 9% increase over 2023. But EAA officials say since many international visitors don’t officially register at the tent, the number may be much higher.

“Over the past decade, and especially since 2020, we have seen AirVenture move to another level, as we maintain the heart of the event while adding programs and activities that appeal to aviation enthusiasts of all interests. Kudos to our dedicated volunteers and staff who plan and adjust to make it work,” Pelton said.

EAA AirVenture 2024 by the numbers

• $170,000,000 – Economic impact in Winnebago, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Brown Counties.
• $2,800,000 – raised by the EAA Aviation Foundation to support aviation education programs.
• ~ 686,000 – Attendance
• 1,600 – Forums, workshops, and sessions
• 16,780 – Aircraft operations at Wittman Regional Airport from July 18 – 28.
• ~15,000 – Campsites
• ~10,000 – Aircraft arriving at Whittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh and other airports in the area.
• 2,581 – International attendees registering at the International Visitors Tent
• 2846 – Showplanes
• 6000 – Volunteers
• 836 – Media representatives from six continents
• 861 – Commercial exhibitors
• ~113 – Average number of takeoffs and landings per hour.
• 98 – Countries represented

“We’ve already received plenty of ideas for next year and a little bit later this summer, we’ll begin reviewing what might be possible for 2025,” said Pelton. “Our annual goal is to create a gathering of people and airplanes that is found nowhere else in the world, and continue to improve the experience for EAA members and visitors.”