EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2024 RECORD NUMBERS AT WORLD’S GREATEST AVIATION CELEBRATION
The only Rutan Boomerang made a grand entrance during the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 celebration of all things aviation
EAA’s Media Release after AirVenture Oshkosh 2024, photos by Ken Kula
Comment from EAA CEO and Chairman Jack Pelton: “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.”
Attendance: Approximately 686,000 – Highest total on record! (Previous: 677,000 – 2023). Comment from Pelton:
“Over the past decade, and especially since 2020, we have seen AirVenture move to another level, as we maintain the heart of the event and 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.”
Total aircraft: More than 10,000 aircraft arrived at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh and other airports in east-central Wisconsin. At Wittman alone, there were 16,780 aircraft operations in the 11-day period from July 18-28, which is an average of approximately 113 takeoffs/landings per hour when the airport is open.
Total showplanes: 2,846 including: 1,200 vintage aircraft, 975 homebuilt aircraft, 337 warbirds, 154 ultralights and light planes, 82 aerobatic aircraft, 65 seaplanes and amphibians, 23 rotorcraft, and 10 balloons.
Camping: More than 15,000 sites in aircraft and drive-in camping accounted for more than 40,000 visitors.
Volunteers: Nearly 6,000 contributing in excess of 250,000 hours.
Commercial exhibitors: 861 (record number).
Forums, Workshops, and Presentations: More than 1,600 sessions hosted during the week at 65 venues.
Social Media, Internet and Mobile: More than 23.9 million people were reached by EAA’s social media channels during AirVenture, with engagement of 3.7 million; Total social media video views: 17 million (up 149 percent over 2023); Nearly 45,000 social media followers gained; In addition, more than 142,000 hours of AirVenture live streaming and on-demand videos were viewed during the event.
International guests: A total of 2,581 attendees registering at the International Visitors Tent from a record-setting 98 countries outside the U.S., a 9 percent increase over 2023. As a significant number of international visitors do not officially register at the tent when they arrive, the actual international visitor total is much higher.
The Gathering shines: The EAA Aviation Foundation’s annual event to support its aviation education programs attracted more than 1,000 people and raised a record $2.8 million dollars that will be focused on EAA’s mission of growing participation in aviation.
Media: 836 media representatives on-site, from six continents.
Economic impact*: $170 million for the five counties in the Oshkosh region (Winnebago, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Brown). * – based on 2017 University of Wisconsin Oshkosh economic impact study
What’s ahead for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 (July 21-27, 2025)?
Comment from Pelton: “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. 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.”
Information updates posted at www.eaa.org/airventure
This year, some 686,000 attendees were treated to aviation immersion while taking in 9 different main air shows and more smaller exhibitions, plus the massive amount of aircraft parked around the Whitman Regional Airport
1,200 Vintage aircraft attended AirVenture Oshkosh 2024, including this Cessna 190
337 Warbirds attended the AirVenture, including this Grumman Albatross
851 Commercial exhibitors showed their products, this Harbour Air eBeaver has an electric engine!
Some 16,780 flight operations occurred at the Whitman Regional Airport in Oshkosh during the week, including the Cirrus mass arrival
Attendees from 98 countries flocked to Oshkosh, including these folks in a Canadian-registered Cirrus SR22
836 registered media representatives helped tell the story of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024
65 floatplanes and amphibians attended, some at the seaplane base, others at the OSH airport like this Republic Seabee
975 homebuilt aircraft, including this Rutan VariViggen, attended the event.
In the coming weeks, our reviews and coverage of this huge event will be published irregularly, so check back often to relive your Oshkosh experiences, or see what you missed!
