Top U.S. destinations for automotive events

Air Partner - 22 Mar 2019

We have organized group charter flights to a wide range of destinations for the automotive industry over the years, so if you’re looking to organize a project or event then it’s highly likely that we will be familiar with the location. This means we are best placed to advise on preferred airports to fly to and whether the location might be suitable from a logistical perspective.

Looking at destination trends over the past year, these U.S. cities and locations are favorites with the automotive industry. Here we take a look at Detroit, Monterey and Bonneville Salt Flats and discover what makes them so popular for automotive projects and enthusiasts.

A bold move

Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah

Once the site of Lake Bonneville, the Salt Flats is a pure imagination landscape for automotive enthusiasts and speedsters. You may recognize the area from the dozens of car commercials that filmed on-location at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Open to the public, the salty, white 30,000 acre terrain lends itself to those who wish to bring their automobiles, hot rods and motorcycles for the ultimate personal test drive. Record-breaking max speeds have been achieved (at their own risk). Of the several hosted racing events, Bonneville Speed Week in August is the most notable.

Popular for: test drives and off-roading, car commercial production and advertising photo shoots, racing events, motorsports gatherings

Recommended airports:

Salt Lake City (SLC)

A classic choice

Monterey, CA

The beautiful, sunny Pacific Coast Highway is the perfect backdrop for the auto scene (and plenty of car commercials). In August, Monterey Car Week takes over the town attracting auto enthusiasts from all over. The Pebble Beach Golf Course makes way for the annual Concours d’Elegance where auto enthusiasts from all over the world spectate the best American car showcase. At 2018 events, there was a noticeable shift of focus to hot sports cars, with special automobile industry event access sponsored by Lamborghini. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering awards creates perfect press opportunies for carmakers. Additionally, for those who also have a taste for aviation, McCall’s Motorworks Revival at the Jet Center offers the ultimate exotic cars and private jets at one event.

Popular for: auto events and shows, car auctions, rallies, car collections, automotive film festivals, Motorsports gatherings/ summits, test drives, car launches, concept car reveals, press and media events, car car commercial production, advertising photo shoots

Recommended Monterey airports:

Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)

Mass appeal

Detroit, Michigan

Detroit is considered the automotive capital of the United States, with near 1000 manufacturers, logically paving the way for this U.S. city to become home to the one of the biggest, most influential auto events in the world: the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The annual Detroit auto show usually takes place every January, however in 2020, this major U.S. auto event will move it's show to June to host many more activities surrounding the Cobo Center for auto industry members, car enthusiasts and consumers, and press events. Also during summer, the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix transforms Belle Isle into a 2.3 mile circuit for the annual three-day racing festival with special music concerts and surrounding events.

Popular for: major automotive conferences, summits, and annual meetings, auto shows, concept car reveals, new model car launches, automobile collections, racing events, press and media events, car car commercial production, advertising photo shoots

Recommended Detroit airports:

Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)
Coleman A. Young International Airport (DET)
Ann Arbor Municipal Airport (ARB)

If you’re looking to organize an automotive event and require air charter services, get in contact with one of our Account Managers today.

Enquire now