One of the largest general aviation airports in the state, Chicago Executive Airport was named Reliever Airport of the Year by the Illinois Department of Transportation. The honor was bestowed at the Illinois Public Airports Association annual conference in Galena, one of several airport awards announced.
Chicago Executive was honored for continued safe and efficient operations around O’Hare and Midway international airports, one of the busiest airspaces in the world.
“We know our place in the Chicago airspace, and it’s a very important one. We’re glad the state agrees, and we are truly honored by this award,” said Jeff Miller, Executive Director of Chicago Executive Airport. “There’s a whole team of airport staff, FAA controllers and aviation organizations that work together to make Chicago Executive an important hub in the region. This is a great way to further celebrate our 100th anniversary.”
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, a reliever airport is one that “relieves congestion at a commercial service airport and to provide more general aviation access to the overall community.”
The efficient operations of Chicago Executive ensures that both commercial and general aviation flights safely co-exist in the airspace.
Chicago Executive is also an important economic engine to the region, with nearly 2,500 jobs on and around the field, and $486 million in economic output.
“As important as our economic impact is knowing we are woven into the fabric of our local communities,” Miller added. “Chicago Executive is not just a transportation hub, we’re a neighbor. And we take that seriously.”
