SPRINGFIELD – Reflecting the importance and vitality of the state’s aviation system, area airports have received Airport of the Year awards from the Illinois Department of Transportation. The awards were presented during the Illinois Public Airports Association Fall Conference in Galena. The facilities were selected because of their accomplishments and a strong commitment to customer safety and satisfaction. Among the award considerations safety record, maintenance of the facility, and promotion of aviation and educational events. Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington won Primary Airport of the Year, with the Greater Kankakee Airport and Dixon Municipal Airport honored with General Aviation Airport of the Year awards.
“Aviation is vital to our state’s economy and a pillar of our multimodal system that makes us the North American transportation hub we are today,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman.”
Illinois is home to 100 public-use airports and heliports, with nearly 3,000 aircraft registered with the Federal Aviation Administration. The system of airports supports more than 492,000 jobs, with a combined payroll of $21.9 billion and a total economic impact of $95.4 billion. Across the state, there are over 700 aviation facilities, including heliports, balloon, glider and ultra-light landing facilities, and grass landing strips.
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