The Airport took delivery of its first new fire truck in more than 19 years, for aircraft rescue and firefighting operations, in October. The Oshkosh Striker is at the top of its class – and 100% paid for by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). As Car and Driver writes, “Think of the Striker as the […]
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Willard Welcomes New Assistant Director of Operations and Maintenance
Andrew Smith, C.M., A.C.E, joined Willard Airport in August 2022 as the Assistant Director of Operations and Maintenance. Originally from New York, Andrew has more than ten years of airport experience. He’s previously worked in parking and terminal services, FBO line service, and Airport Operations. Andrew’s most recent position held was as an Airport Operation’s […]
Continue ReadingThe University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Appoints Andrew Smith as Assistant Director of Operations and Maintenance
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has named Andrew Smith as Assistant Director of Operations and Maintenance. In this position, he will be responsible for the operations, safety, security, and maintenance of Willard Airport (CMI). He will begin his position on August 22, 2022. “I’m eager for Andrew to join our team as he brings […]
Continue ReadingWillard Airport Receives Small Community Air Service Development Grant Program (SCADSP) Grant
The Small Community Air Service Development Grant Program (SCASDP) as administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation is making $16.9 million in federal grant funding available to airports in FY21 for air service development. Willard Airport will receive $850,000 of funding to support air service development efforts to the Washington, DC region. Willard is the […]
Continue ReadingDirector’s Corner – 2022 Newsletter Issue 2
Letter from the Executive Director – July 2022 It’s a busy summer at University of Illinois – Willard Airport. Our terminal is beginning to look like it did before the pandemic, with almost 400 people a day flying in and out. We’re working hard to modernize the terminal and improve the travel experience. We just […]
Continue ReadingMaking Security a Breeze
Willard Airport was proud to be awarded $1 million in federal funding for a new security checkpoint. The money was the last piece of funding for the $2.6 million project, with most of the other funds coming from the federal infrastructure bill. The current single-lane checkpoint, which is located on the bridge between the main […]
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