Ruthie Harper from Ion Grove Café at Willard Airport was recently recognized by Experience Champaign‑Urbana with their prestigious Brilliant Spirit Award at the 2025 Toast to Tourism event. The award honors “individuals or organizations who have shown innovation, creativity, or collaboration in welcoming visitors and residents to the greater Champaign‑Urbana area.” As a key team member at […]
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New TSA Checkpoint Construction Underway
Faster security, with less hassle, is on the way at Willard. Construction has started on a new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint. The original TSA checkpoint – a single-lane screening station located on the walkway bridge between the terminal and gate area – is too small under current post‑9/11 design standards. It routinely causes bottlenecks, […]
Continue ReadingWillard Site of Groundbreaking Pavement Research
A team led by the University of Illinois’ Imad Al‑Qadi has launched a $1 million FAA‑sponsored project to develop cracking performance tests for airfield asphalt mixes. The project involves collaboration with the University of New Hampshire, Arizona State University, Applied Research Associates, and Heritage Research Group. The research team collected loose mix, aggregates, asphalt binders, and field […]
Continue ReadingNonstop Effort: Willard Airport’s Air Service Recruitment
Willard Airport’s executive director was joined by the CEO of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation in meetings with airlines at the end of October. In 2024, the Airport had almost a dozen in-person airline meetings, as it works to increase travel options. Air service development – the process of recruiting air service – never […]
Continue ReadingNew Midfield Taxiways Open to Statewide Fanfare
U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) was joined by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones and a cast of other dignitaries at a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of University of Illinois’ Willard Airport’s midfield taxiway realignment project. This federally funded project is part of a broader effort by the Federal […]
Continue ReadingIon Grove Café Has Served More than 8,000 Customers Since Opening
Locally owned Ion Grove Café opened in the gate area at Willard Airport in August. In just the last five months, it’s served more than 8,000 travelers – a huge success. Phil Rowell, the CEO of Ion Grove, said the café is performing even better than he expected. “We are thrilled and grateful for the […]
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