Mo Butler still vividly recalls when the NAACP brought its annual convention to Atlantic City in 2022.
As the chair of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, it meant good things for the city’s hotels and resorts. It also meant paying to rent buses to bring conventioneers in from Philadelphia International Airport.
Butler, whose purview as the head of CRDA includes oversight of the Atlantic City Convention Center, said the inability of Atlantic International City Airport to handle planes from all over the country directly impacts the convention center’s ability to land conventions that feature a lot of out-of-state visitors.
“A robust Atlantic City Airport would be very helpful to us in what we’re trying to accomplish in Atlantic City and Atlantic County,” he said. “Easing the ability to bring more planes here would bring more conventions.”
Butler’s comments came during a time some are suggesting the state, through the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey, expand AC Airport as a way to alleviate some of the congestion at Newark Liberty.
Business leaders, however, said such an expansion would be a huge economic boost for the region, too.
Christina Renna, the CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, said her group is all in on the idea.
“There is an easy answer to alleviating some of the congestion issues other airports are struggling with — tap into the untapped gem that is Atlantic City International Airport,” she said.
“Should more commercial routes be added, South Jersey residents will jump at the convenience that ACY offers. It would also help bring more visitors to Atlantic City, which continues to struggle in a post-pandemic landscape.”
Tom Bracken, the CEO of the N.J. Chamber of Commerce, said the idea is worthy of serious consideration since both Newark and Philly already are operating at near capacity.
“Expanding the role of Atlantic City International could significantly relieve congestion in the region,” he said. “This move would not only enhance operational efficiency across the Northeast corridor but also unlock South Jersey’s untapped economic potential.
“With Atlantic City poised for growth, a world-class airport under the Port Authority’s management could serve as a catalyst for regional development and improved connectivity, both of which have been long overdue.”
Michael Chait, the CEO of the Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, said his group would support the idea, too.
Interestingly enough, Chait brought up airport busing, too — except he noted buses going in the opposite direction, when American Airlines runs a shuttle of passengers from Atlantic City to Philly.
“Those buses are always packed,” he said.
