Arctic Thunder Air Show and JBER’s Wingman; The Anchorage Economy
8:00 PM AKST August 7th, 2026
Updated 8:20 PM AKST August 12th, 2026
Anchorage, Alaska
Many Alaskans are enjoying peak summer right now, and for more than 200,000 people, the plan was to celebrate freedom and the need for speed at one of Alaska’s largest 2-day events, the Arctic Thunder Air Show. Powered by an installation that injects $2.3 billion into our local economy annually, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) hosts the Arctic Thunder Open House which wowed spectators with aerial acrobatics and military demonstrations. Notable aviation celebrities included the Blue Angels, the Golden Knights Parachute Team, the F-22 Demo Team and more, and Anchorage businesses stood ready to serve as JBER’s wingman.
U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Arctic Thunder Open House, JBER, Anchorage, Alaska
Photo by: AEDC COMs
Anchorage’s Military History
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 a substantial part 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
Today 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 Anchorage’s economy, employing over 18,000 personnel including civilians and contributing over $1.8 billion in local payroll alone.
2026 Arctic Thunder Open House, Air Show at JBER, Photos by AEDC COMs.
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 coordination 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 and 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 was designated bike parking thanks to local partner organizer, Bike Anchorage. The nonprofit sponsor organized support for cyclists at the Air Show. Executive Director Alexa Dobson of Bike Anchorage confirmed they provided free valet bike parking services for attendees. Riders had a secure area to store bikes and helped alleviate traffic. Attendees proclaimed it was a great experience and would do it again if the valet was provided.
Local Food Vendors, 2026 Arctic Thunder Open House, JBER, Photo By: AEDC COMs
Anchorage Business Partners
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 that 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. JBER Life, the marketing arm of JBER, puts out calls for vendors months in advance. 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
USAF, U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, and US Navy Blue Angels, 2026 Arctic Thunder Open House, JBER, Anchorage, Alaska, Photo Credit: AEDC COMs.
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. This is all the more for Anchorage and JBER to boast. It will be the first time since 2016 that the group performed at the JBER air show. Along with aerial performances were ground demonstrations and equipment displays from all branches of U.S. forces, local aviation businesses, and community partners. The kids’ zone had multiple activities and static displays including military equipment, aircraft displays, and interactive STEM exhibits.
The Local Flyboys
Pilot Alex Dupuis, DC-3 Desert Air, JBER, 2026 Arctic Thunder Air Show, Photo By AEDC COMs.
One local cargo aviation business on display at the air show was 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 was on-site for this year’s event with the company. 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 reserves, per capita, Alaska has the highest number in the nation for total active and reserve personnel, 34 for every 1,000 people. In a tight labor market, transitioning military members and reservists provide a highly skilled, disciplined, and reliable talent pool for Anchorage employers.
The aircraft on display, one of Alaska’s most impressive flying workhorses, was the DC-3. Dupuis 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, they were militarized into the C-47 Skytrain, supporting troop and cargo missions.
DC-3, Desert Air, 2026 Arctic Thunder Open House, Air Show, JBER, Photo By AEDC COMs.
Gladwin previously worked for Northern Air Cargo and knew about the logistical challenges in Alaska and opportunities with the aircraft. With a 6,000-pound carrying capacity, DC-3s 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 enjoyed the performances in the sky and on land, the event stood 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
1 in 10 Alaskans is a Veteran, DOL, SOA https://live.laborstats.alaska.gov/trends-magazine/2016/June/1-in-10-alaskans-is-a-veteran
Source https://desertairalaska.com/our-fleet
Copyright © Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, 2026
