City

By the numbers: SUN ‘n FUN’s local impact

It’s more than just big planes and huge crowds. This aviation extravaganza raises funds for local aviation education — here’s how much.

April 14, 2026 • 
Connor Jacobson
A crowd of people gathers in the shade of a large military aircraft's tail at an outdoor air show on a sunny day.

Last year, more than 18,000 cars were parked on Saturday as crowds flocked to the day + night airshows.

Photo by LALtoday

The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo generates a local economic impact of more than $60 million, but its influence doesn’t end when the event does.

In a presentation on Tuesday, April 14, SUN ‘n FUN President Gene Conrad shared the numbers from last year and how they impact local aviation education through the Aerospace Center for Excellence.

Attendance

  • 210,000+ attendees
  • 80+ countries and all 50 states represented
  • 15,500 campers

Education

Inside the Florida Air Museum, a small white and red plane hangs from the ceiling above a vintage blue and silver Ford plane.

More than 5,000 people attended StoryTime events at the Florida Air Museum last year.

Photo by LALtoday

Operations

  • 6,000+ aircraft operations
  • 3,600 volunteers
  • 561 exhibitors

This year

  • 110+ airshow performances
  • 25 minutes between free Citrus Connection SUN ‘n FUN Express buses
  • 25% increase in tickets sold, as of last week
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