FORT WORTH, Texas — A popular Fort Worth air show that's been around for more than 30 years will not be held this year, organizers announced on Wednesday.
The AllianceTexas Aviation Expo, previously known as the Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show, had become a North Texas staple for aviation enthusiasts at the Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport.
Alliance Air Productions, which puts on the show, made the announcement in a news release. The company cited growth in the area and "unavoidable conflicts in scheduling and logistics" as reasons for this year's cancellation.
"[The air show] has brought together aviation leaders and enthusiasts from around the world and has entertained hundreds of thousands of families while showcasing the incredible growth of the Alliance region," the company said in a statement. "Largely as a result of that growth and due to unavoidable conflicts in scheduling and logistics, Alliance Air Productions will not host the AllianceTexas Aviation Expo in 2023."
In the three decades of the air show, the Alliance area has become a major hub for FedEx, Amazon and other businesses.
In a statement to WFAA, Amazon said it wasn't to blame for the cancellation.
"Amazon was not part of the decision to cancel the 2023 AllianceTexas Aviation Expo. As we have in years past, we were prepared to support this year's show," the company said.
Jim Hodgson, who runs the Fort Worth Aviation Museum at nearby Meacham Airport, said he's not surprised at the cancellation.
"We've seen it happen at other places. Love Field Frontiers of Flight used to have an air show until Southwest got so big and that operational tempo got so high that they couldn't stop to have an air show," Hodgson said.
Alliance Air Productions said it is evaluating plans for future events. The air show was a tradition in the area for 32 years, according to the company.
"We completely understand and are sensitive to the disappointment of the many loyal and dedicated sponsors, volunteers, and fans," Alliance Air Productions said in their statement.
In a statement to WFAA, the city of Fort Worth said: "We are proud that the City of Fort Worth is the home to the growing Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport. As Alliance Air Productions is the host of the AllianceTexas Aviation Expo, we support determinations they need to make regarding scheduling, logistics and the Aviation Expo."
While the future of the Alliance air show is unclear, another similar event is in the works.
White Settlement Police Chief Chris Cook told WFAA that he's helping coordinate a performance of the Blue Angels at nearby Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth in April 2024.
"I think we can host more people here between White Settlement, Fort Worth, and Westwood Village. We have a lot of space and I think it will be a phenomenal air show," Cook said.