While the commercial aviation industry faces a huge shortage of qualified pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers, the Parkland Institute of Aviation, at Willard Airport, is working on a solution. Parkland reports enrollment for aviation programs for fall of 2023 is up 25% from last year, to more than 100 full-time students – the highest number […]
Continue ReadingWillard Passes FAA Inspection with Flying Colors
Each year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspects every commercial service airport in the country. Willard Airport works hard to keep everything on the field in perfect operating condition, so when the time for the year’s inspection comes, the airport is sure to pass. This year was special: Willard Airport passed without a single discrepancy. […]
Continue ReadingTraining the Next Generation of Leaders: Willard Internship Program
Willard Airport launched an airport management intern position last fall. After an extensive application process, Tingting He was selected for the position. Tingting earned her bachelor of science degree in aviation management in 2021 from Auburn University. She just graduated in May with her master’s degree from the Gies College of Business at the University […]
Continue ReadingWillard Welcomes New Fire Marshal
Willard Airport has a new fire marshal, replacing John Riegel, after his 21 years in the job. John Cumbee was promoted to the position in March, after ten years on the job as a crash rescue security specialist and a security coordinator at Willard. John has worked as a firefighter and administrator for the last […]
Continue ReadingDirector’s Corner – 2022 Newsletter Issue 1
Letter from the Executive Director Despite the pandemic, it has been a very busy couple of years at Willard Airport. We’ve just completed a set of major projects designed to make your experience better and to ensure not only your comfort, but your safety. Our terminal has a whole new look. We’ve replaced all the […]
Continue ReadingA Better Willard Airport Experience in the Future
The Willard Airport team isn’t done working to make the passenger experience better. As traffic rebounds, more inbound visitors to Champaign-Urbana will be renting cars. The Airport will be working with rental car companies to build a new vehicle service center, ensuring cars are cleaned, disinfected, inspected, and safe. The $1.2 million project will include […]
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