$550M Aviation Campus Breaks Ground At Chicago Executive Airport

WHEELING, IL — A new private aviation campus expected to generate as much as $550 million in regional economic benefits has broken ground at Chicago Executive Airport.

Sky Harbour Group Corporation and airport officials marked the start of construction Sept. 17 on the 16-acre development, which the company described as one of the largest private infrastructure investments in the airport's history.

The first phase is expected to include four private hangars ranging from 18,000 to 37,000 square feet, along with adjoining suites, offices and parking.

The campus is expected to open in early 2028.

Sky Harbour said the development will also include dedicated fueling and line service for aircraft based at the property.

"Chicago Executive Airport is an important economic asset for our communities and the broader Chicago region, and this project represents a significant investment in its future," Executive Director Jeff Miller tells Patch.

Miller said the development will add needed hangar capacity while introducing a new approach to housing private and corporate aircraft at the airport.

Private Alternative To Traditional FBOs

Sky Harbour calls its facilities Home Base Operator campuses, which differ from traditional fixed-base operators by serving only aircraft permanently based at the site rather than both local and transient aircraft.

The company said its model combines private hangars and office suites with dedicated line service and fueling, as well as increased privacy and security.

"Chicago is one of the country’s most important business aviation markets, and PWK is an exceptionally well-run airport in an ideal location for the Sky Harbour network," Sky Harbour CEO Tal Keinan said.

Sky Harbour currently operates eight campuses across the country, with 14 additional locations in development.

Economic Impact

The company said the Chicago Executive Airport project is expected to create or sustain hundreds of local jobs and generate up to $550 million in economic benefits for surrounding communities and the greater Chicago region.

Chicago Executive Airport is jointly owned by the Village of Wheeling and City of Prospect Heights. Located about 10 miles north of O'Hare International Airport, it serves approximately 100,000 corporate, charter and recreational aircraft operations annually.

State Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl said the development represents an opportunity to expand the airport’s economic role in the area.

"When we invest in critical infrastructure like our local airport, we are investing in the future of our communities and strengthening our region for generations to come," Katz Muhl said.

Chicago Executive Airport has operated for more than a century and serves as a reliever airport for O’Hare.

More information about Sky Harbour is available at skyharbour.group, while information about Chicago Executive Airport can be found at chiexec.com.