Aviation Influence Expands 2026 Take FLIGHT with AVi, Returns to Signature Aviation, Atlantic City International Airport

After another record-breaking year inspiring more than 1,100 youth and families through hands-on aviation and STEAM engagement, Aviation Influence (AVi) announces the return of its signature outreach event, Take FLIGHT with AVi, at Signature Aviation, Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), on Sat., Sept. 26, 2026.

“Take FLIGHT with AVi has always been about connection — between people, passions and purpose,” says Stacy Suazo, general manager of Signature Aviation ACY and founding board member of Aviation Influence. “Hosting this event again in Atlantic City feels like bringing it home. The enthusiasm from our community, partners and attendees reminds us why we do this work — to open doors, spark curiosity, and show that there’s a place for everyone in aviation.”

AVi is building on the success of the 2025 event in Wilmington, DE, where 25 schools, 70 volunteers, and 35 STEAM exhibitors came together, with the inspiring presence of 101-year-old Dr. Alma Bailey, a Tuskegee nurse and national treasure, along with dynamic keynote speaker and aviation entrepreneur Jamail Larkins. Their participation embodied AVi’s mission to connect generations and spark new possibilities in aviation. The 2025 co-emcees, Samantha Mitchell and Lyndse Costabile, along with the organizations they represent, also helped make the event’s success and impact possible. Building on that legacy, the 2026 event will reimagine the format, expand its footprint, and deepen its impact with fresh experiences, new partnerships, and a more flexible layout for attendees, exhibitors and partners alike.

The 2026 edition of Take FLIGHT with AVi will transform Signature Aviation into an immersive, dual-hangar aviation campus designed for hands-on learning, exploration, and continuous engagement. Hangar 1 will feature exhibits, sponsor booths, hands-on STEAM activities, and food tables, while Hangar 2 will host fireside chats, speaker presentations, and a professional photo studio for attendees 18+, offering a creative space to refresh professional images and elevate digital presence. The tarmac area will expand with larger aircraft static displays, live demonstrations, and the debut of a Food Truck Rodeo experience.

To better accommodate families, schools, and community groups traveling from across the region, the event will feature a flexible attendee check-in window from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM, encouraging seamless arrival and exploration in place of a formal opening ceremony. Advanced registration remains required for entry.

Program enhancements for 2026 include:

• upgraded audio and presentation systems for improved reach and acoustics
• expanded two-hangar layout for exhibitors and educational sessions
• Author’s Corner benefiting the AVi Scholarship Program
• professional photo studio for attendees 18+
• continued focus on hands-on aviation training, simulators, and youth engagement.

“This next chapter for Take FLIGHT with AVi builds on years of incredible growth and community support,” says Ian Lumpp, board chair of Aviation Influence. “We’re reimagining the event to deliver even more opportunities for connection, mentorship and inspiration, while keeping the same mission: to make aviation and STEAM accessible, exciting and inclusive for every young attendee who walks through the hangar doors.”

Last year's Take FLIGHT event delivered measurable impact:

• 480+ youth attendees and 460 parents and educators
• 15 aviation training experiences awarded
• $11,750 raised to support aviation scholarships
• $12,700 in donated auction packages and $2,200 raised through merchandise and auction sales
• 70 volunteers, 35 STEAM exhibitors, and 25 schools represented.

AVi’s events highlight the full spectrum of aviation — from commercial and military to corporate, educational, and humanitarian missions. Past participants include major airlines such as Avelo Airlines, American Airlines, and Spirit Airlines, as well as Leonardo Helicopters, Fanatics Flight Department, Verizon and Fiserv Flight Operations, Cirrus Aircraft, and HondaJet.

The event also welcomes participation from the Delaware Air National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force Academy, and Delaware Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). Partnering schools such as Delaware State University, Atlantic Cape Community College, Rowan College of Burlington County, Beyond Aviation, and flyGATEWAY will showcase flight-training aircraft and career pathways. Civil Air Patrol Wings across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, will bring Cessna 182s, Piper Arrows, and simulators to inspire attendees.

Technology and trade-focused institutions like Polytech School of Aviation Maintenance and Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology have been key contributors, alongside the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), highlighting professional roles in business and corporate aviation. Mission-driven organizations such as Corporate Angel Network and influential figures, including Capt. Barrington Irving (Flying Classroom); 2021 Miss United States Samantha Anderson (STEM advocate); FAA ambassador, Jamail Larkins (pilot and entrepreneur); Air Jamaica’s first female A&P mechanic, Samantha Mitchell; and Miss New Jersey 2019, Jaime Gialloreto, have contributed to AVi’s mission of connection and inspiration. The FAA has also been a valued participant, engaging attendees through drone demonstrations, workforce opportunities, and aviation exhibits.

With unmatched diversity of partners and participants, Take FLIGHT with AVi 2026 is set to once again unite every corner of the aviation community, creating lasting impact and opportunities for the next generation.

Full event details, registration, and sponsorship opportunities will be available soon at https://aviationinfluence.org/take-flight-at-acy.