Myrtle Beach, December 29, 2025
Major events such as the Super Bowl significantly boost private jet travel, known as the ‘Super Bowl Effect’. Communities like Myrtle Beach benefit from this phenomenon, with increased demand for private aviation services leading to economic growth, job creation, and resilience. The local aerospace industry is thriving, supported by strategic investments and workforce development programs. This surge showcases Myrtle Beach’s potential to become a key player in the private aviation sector, highlighting the importance of innovative business practices and infrastructure investment.
Myrtle Beach
Private Jets and the “Event Effect”: A Catalyst for Local Economic Growth
Major events, from high-profile sporting spectacles to significant cultural gatherings, create a ripple effect far beyond their immediate venues, demonstrating a powerful impact on various sectors, particularly private aviation. This phenomenon, often termed the “Super Bowl Effect,” highlights a substantial surge in private jet travel, underscoring a dynamic segment of the economy driven by efficiency, convenience, and privacy. For communities like Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with a growing aerospace and aviation sector, understanding these trends offers valuable insights into fostering local business resilience and entrepreneurial innovation. A supportive environment that encourages private investment and strategic infrastructure development allows regional economies to capitalize on the increasing demand for high-end travel services, contributing to job creation and sustained economic vitality.
The significant uptick in private jet activity during these peak times reflects a broader demand for personalized and expedited travel solutions. This demand, met by agile private aviation businesses and adaptable local infrastructure, showcases how targeted services can thrive even amidst complex logistical challenges. As Myrtle Beach SC business leaders and South Carolina entrepreneurs continue to innovate, recognizing and responding to such specialized market needs becomes a cornerstone of competitive economic growth.
The “Super Bowl Effect” on Private Aviation Nationwide
Data analysis reveals a pronounced “Super Bowl Effect” on private jet travel. For the 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans, 611 business jets arrived in the days leading up to the game, significantly higher than the approximately 100 private flights typically observed on regular weekends. Nationwide, the 2024 Super Bowl in Las Vegas saw local airports record around 882 private jets arriving, with 525 business planes departing immediately after the game. The 2023 Super Bowl in Arizona set a record with 931 private jets departing post-game. This illustrates a substantial increase in private air traffic compared to normal operations.
This surge is not exclusive to the Super Bowl. Other major events, such as the Cannes Film Festival, the Monaco Grand Prix, Burning Man, the Met Gala, and even significant political or industry events like the World Economic Forum in Davos, also trigger spikes in private jet usage. These events attract high-profile individuals, industry leaders, and corporations who prioritize the logistical flexibility, privacy, and efficiency offered by private aviation.
Economic Multipliers: Beyond the Flight
The increase in private jet traffic translates directly into boosted revenue for private jet operators. However, the economic benefits extend much further, creating a significant multiplier effect for local economies. Airports and various related industries experience a substantial uplift. This includes luxury catering services, aircraft maintenance providers, ground services, and security operations. Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), which are private terminals servicing these aircraft, can see revenue during a single major event weekend that is equivalent to several months of standard operation. Fuel sales alone often skyrocket, particularly for long-haul jets requiring thousands of gallons for return journeys, while hangar fees for secure overnight parking can triple during these high-demand periods.
Nationwide, private aviation plays a substantial role in the broader economy. A study based on 2023 data indicated that private aviation users contributed $6.6 billion to U.S. travel and hospitality through hotel stays and restaurant expenditures. The industry supports 1.3 million jobs across the U.S., contributes $339.2 billion in output, and adds $178.1 billion to the national GDP. This economic activity highlights private aviation as a significant driver of prosperity, especially for communities equipped to support it.
Myrtle Beach’s Thriving Aviation Landscape
Myrtle Beach is home to a robust and expanding aviation and aerospace industry. The region’s strategic infrastructure, including its proximity to major ports and significant aerospace facilities like Boeing in Charleston, positions it as a prime location for aviation businesses. Companies such as Myrtle Air Services, Kingman Airline, Chippewa Aerospace (Consortia Aerospace Group), and Executive Helijet operate within the Myrtle Beach area. Furthermore, boutique business aviation consultancy firms like TSH aviation serve the Myrtle Beach small business community, offering expertise in aircraft acquisition, operational supervision, maintenance, and management.
The local workforce development programs have been instrumental in this growth, with the aerospace workforce in the Myrtle Beach region experiencing a 600% increase in the last decade. Programs like ReadySC, offered through South Carolina’s technical college system, partner with aerospace companies to meet talent needs. The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, a highly-ranked trade school, provides workforce training at the International Technology and Aerospace Park (ITAP) in Myrtle Beach, offering programs like the Aviation Maintenance Technology Program. This strong foundation allows Myrtle Beach to be a key player in the larger aviation economy.
Entrepreneurial Drive and Infrastructure Investment in South Carolina
The growth observed in private aviation nationwide is a testament to entrepreneurial drive and the importance of investing in robust infrastructure. The private aviation industry is continuously investing in smaller airports, extending runways, and upgrading terminals to enhance capacity and safety, which is crucial for managing increased traffic during major events. This kind of proactive investment is vital for facilitating economic growth and highlights the benefits of a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector innovation.
Across South Carolina, there is a strong commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success. Initiatives like SC LAUNCH provide structured frameworks for companies in advanced manufacturing, information technology, and life sciences through funding, networking, and education. The Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) offer free private consulting and resources to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and succeed, including support for exporting and government contracts. The South Carolina Innovation Hub (SCRIBBLE) connects entrepreneurs with state resources and a broader network. These programs, coupled with an attractive business climate, contribute to the state’s economic momentum, including areas that impact the Midlands economic growth and the Richland County economy by promoting a culture of innovation and expansion.
South Carolina’s Economic Momentum
South Carolina has consistently demonstrated strong economic growth. The state’s gross state product (GSP) in 2024 reached $266.2 billion, with an annualized growth of 2.3% over the five years to 2024. This growth outpaced the national average for employment growth over the past five years. Businesses in South Carolina employed over 2.3 million people in 2024. Key leading industries based on capital investment in 2024 included Information Technology, Automotive, and Aerospace and Aviation. The state government continues to prioritize pro-growth policies, including tax relief and investments in critical infrastructure, to support businesses and enable economic expansion. This supportive environment is crucial for industries like private aviation and the many small businesses that serve it.
Conclusion
The “Super Bowl Effect” is a clear indicator of the significant role private aviation plays in supporting major events and, by extension, contributing substantially to local and national economies. This surge in demand underscores the value of efficient, private travel for high-net-worth individuals and corporations, creating a robust ecosystem of operators, service providers, and infrastructure. In Myrtle Beach, the growing aviation and aerospace industry, bolstered by strategic investments in workforce development and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, is well-positioned to continue thriving within this dynamic sector. By supporting local businesses, encouraging innovation, and maintaining a favorable economic climate, Myrtle Beach and the wider South Carolina economy can ensure continued prosperity and growth. We encourage all residents to explore and support the innovative businesses that contribute to our vibrant local economy and stay engaged in shaping Myrtle Beach’s promising future.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the “Super Bowl Effect” on private jet travel?
- The “Super Bowl Effect” refers to a significant increase in private jet travel observed around major events, such as the Super Bowl, where demand for private jets spikes considerably compared to regular periods.
- How many private jets typically arrive for a Super Bowl?
- For the 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans, 611 business jets arrived during the Friday through Sunday prior to the game. For the 2024 Super Bowl in Las Vegas, local airports recorded approximately 882 private jets arriving.
- What is the nationwide economic impact of private aviation?
- Nationwide, private aviation travel supports 1.3 million U.S. jobs, $339.2 billion in output, and $178.1 billion in GDP contributions, according to a study based on 2023 data.
- How does private jet travel benefit local economies?
- Increased private jet traffic boosts revenue for private jet operators, local airports, and related industries such as luxury catering, aircraft maintenance, ground services, and security. Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) can generate revenue equivalent to several months of standard operation during a single major event weekend.
- What is the status of the aerospace workforce in the Myrtle Beach region?
- The aerospace workforce in the Myrtle Beach region has grown by 600% in the last 10 years, supported by strong workforce development programs.
Key Features of the “Super Bowl Effect” on Private Aviation
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Private Jet Traffic Spike | Significant increase in private jet arrivals and departures around major events. For the 2025 Super Bowl, 611 business jets arrived prior to the game, compared to 100 on regular weekends. For the 2024 Super Bowl, approximately 882 private jets were recorded. | Nationwide |
| Economic Impact on Operators | Increased revenue for private jet operators due to higher demand during major events. | Nationwide |
| Benefits for Local Industries | Boost for local airports, Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), luxury catering, aircraft maintenance, ground services, and security. FBOs can see revenue equivalent to several months of standard operation during a single major event weekend. | Nationwide |
| Overall Economic Contribution | Private aviation supports 1.3 million U.S. jobs and contributes $339.2 billion in output and $178.1 billion to the national GDP. | Nationwide |
| Myrtle Beach Aerospace Workforce Growth | The aerospace workforce in the Myrtle Beach region has grown by 600% in the last 10 years. | Local (Myrtle Beach) |
| South Carolina Economic Growth | South Carolina’s gross state product (GSP) in 2024 reached $266.2 billion, with a 2.3% growth over five years. | State-level |
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
