Arctic Thunder Air Show and JBER’s Wingman; The Anchorage Economy
8:00 PM AKST August 7th, 2026
Anchorage, Alaska
Many Alaskans are enjoying peak summer right now, and for more than 200,000 people, the plan is to celebrate freedom and the need for speed. One of Alaska’s largest 2-day events is happening this weekend; the Arctic Thunder Air Show. Held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) the Arctic Thunder Open House promises to wow spectators with aerial acrobatics and military demonstrations. Notable aviation celebrities such as the Blue Angels and the Golden Knights are scheduled to perform, and Anchorage businesses stand ready to help serve as JBER’s wingman.
US Navy Blue Angels, Arctic Thunder Photo Used with Permission, DVID
The military has played a significant role in Anchorage’s success since it was founded on the lands of the Dena’ina Athabascan people in 1915. But in the 1940s, that relationship really started to grow. The city’s population boomed during World War II with an influx of troops, and the city dramatically expanded its support operations. Today, the military represents more than 10% of Anchorage’s total population. As the military presence in the city grew, Anchorage businesses grew as well. Most notably, Alaska Airlines began as McGee Airways and Star Air Service in the 1930s; the airlines later merged to become the worldwide passenger air carrier known today. Alaska served as civilian support for various events, such as the historic humanitarian airlift known as ‘Operation On Eagles’ Wings.’
Modern day Anchorage is host to Joint-Base Elmendorf-Richardson, a 64,000-acre military installation that supports U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, National Guard, and U.S. forces operating around the world. The base is one of Alaska’s largest employers and a major consumer of local contractor services. JBER plays a key role in the Anchorage’s economy; employing of over 18,000 personnel including civilians and contributing over $2.3 billion to the local economy, annually.
USCG, Arctic Thunder Photo Used with Permission, DVID
One-way JBER gives back to the community is the Air Show. The Arctic Thunder Open House (ATOH) invites thousands of visitors for free to enjoy the air show and the family friendly open house. Along with the impressive display of aviation and military performances and equipment, is the opportunity for local businesses to reach a mass of customers.
Community Partners Help Mission Completion
ATOH coordinators, U.S. Air Force Lt Col Ryan Murdock and Lt Col Tabatha Zellhart, sat down with AEDC to discuss how these partnerships come together. Operating an event on this scale takes an economic and strategic plan. Lt Col Murdock said planning begins over a year in advance. Teams review details for JBER’s largest outreach biennial event and work together with local leaders and partners.
Leaders between JBER, Anchorage businesses, and local community organizations coordinate traffic, public safety, food services, sanitation, and visitor access. From traffic management to local food truck participation, each detail is planned with Anchorage’s business community and the public in mind. The Anchorage People Mover, the public transportation department of the Municipality, added an additional bus route to help transport attendees. The air show also coincides with the historic America250 celebrations, which added more attraction from outside visitors and provided additional promotion.
JBER makes constant efforts to improve the open house experience and continually reviews feedback from the community. Lt Col Zellhart confirmed numerous organizers collaborated to plan everything from first aid tents, lost child prevention, to strategic placement of EMTs throughout the event with the help of local fire departments and volunteers.
For traffic planning, the base coordinates to receive the massive influx of visitors and temporarily changes traffic to an inbound flow. Shuttles and additional parking options offer alternate routes. New this year is designated bike parking thanks to local partner organizer, Bike Anchorage. The nonprofit sponsor is organizing support for cyclists at the Air Show. Executive Director Alexa Dobson of Bike Anchorage confirmed they will be providing free valet bike parking services for attendees. Riders will have a secure area to store bikes and help alleviate traffic.
Local vendors are up for the challenge and chomp at the bit for a chance to feed thousands of attendees. The demand to participate is so great; coordinators limit the entry of food vendors, and those wanting to sell their tasty snacks are selected by lottery. This year, over 43 food vendors applied. For sanitation, JBER rents a considerable number of available units from the local portable sanitation company, Rent-A-Can. The company provides services all throughout South Central Alaska and stated they have enjoyed the partnership with JBER for years. Through collaboration, ATOH confirms they do not conflict with other large events such as the Bear Paw Festival.
The Big Show
The Golden Knights Parachute Team, Arctic Thunder Photo Used with Permission, DVID
Along with the challenge of logistics is the competition to host one of the world’s greatest aerial performers and crowd favorite; the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. The specialized squadron uses a rigorous screening process to choose their performance sites, and bases must prove they are a desired location. All the more for Anchorage and JBER to boast. It will be the first time since 2016 that the group will perform at the air show. Along with aerial performances will be ground demonstrations and equipment displays from all branches of U.S. forces, local aviation businesses, and community partners. The kids’ zone will have multiple activities and static displays including military equipment, aircraft displays, and interactive STEM exhibits.
The Local Flyboys
DC-3 Desert Air, Used with Permission
One local cargo aviation business will be performing at the air show this year; Desert Air Transportation. AEDC spoke with pilot Alex Dupuis, a 16-year veteran with the company. Dupuis is currently an Air National Guard member and will be performing for this year’s event for Desert Air. His performance will be flown in Alaska’s most impressive flying workhorse, the DC-3. Dupuis is an example of the symbiotic workforce of military and civilians in Anchorage as well. While some of the population serves in the military in the reserve, per capita, Alaska has the highest numbers in the nation for total active and reserve personnel, 34 per every 1,000 people.
He shared how founder Dennis Gladwin brought a small DC-3 fleet from Salt Lake City to Anchorage in 2001. The DC-3 is a classic aircraft originally manufactured by the Douglas Aircraft Company in the 1930s. During WWII, DC-3s were militarized into the C-47 Skytrain supporting troop and cargo missions.
Gladwin previously worked for Northern Air Cargo and knew about the logistical challenges in Alaska and opportunities with the aircraft. With a 6,000 lbs carrying capacity, DC-3 have a remote access advantage and are able to land on gravel runways as short as 2,800 ft. Gladwin pivoted the “Gooney Bird” from the traditional radial piston engine to the turbo engine for longevity and to reduce expensive maintenance costs. The cost saving investment paid off and now Desert Air boasts multiple large contracts to remote parts of Alaska providing critical logistical support. The new owner, Joey Benetka, has helped expand the cargo airline throughout the state.
As spectators enjoy the performances in the sky and on land, the event stands as a testament to the enduring synergy between the military, Anchorage’s business sector, and the local community.
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Published by: AEDC Communications
Sources
Alaska Airlines History
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/about-us/history
Active Duty and Civilian employment. Direct Expenditures, FY25 JBER Estimate of Economic Impact Report https://www.jber.jb.mil/Portals/144/Info/EconomicImpact/2025_EIA_JBER_Full%20Report.pdf
‘Anchorage has come a long way since tent city days’ Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, 2012, Special Publication, Print, p 27, Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce
Whether as Alaska’s largest employer or as a major consumer of local contractor services, the military sector will remain an integral part of the state’s economy.
https://digital.akbizmag.com/issue/october-2024/the-military-boost/
Alaska’s Veteran Share Ranks First DOL, Authors Dan Robinson, Gunnar Schultz, 2025
Anchorage Population 287,155
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/anchoragemunicipalityalaska/PST045225
State of Alaska Population 727,270 Date: July 1st, 2025
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/AK/PST045225
Source https://desertairalaska.com/our-fleet
Copyright © Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, 2026
