Summer is always a busy time at University of Illinois – Willard Airport. I have the opportunity to see many of you as you travel around the country and around the world. I’m thankful you choose Willard Airport to start and end your trips.
We’re busy making investments to improve your experience. You’ll notice construction as you ride the escalators to the TSA checkpoint. We’re doubling the checkpoint’s capacity to speed you on your way. The project has been years in the making, and it couldn’t come at a better time as we’re filling more seats on American Airlines than we have at any point in the last five years – even with larger jets now in our market.
Out on the airfield, we’re happy to host a University of Illinois team performing groundbreaking research on better airport pavements. The research team, led by Imad L. Al-Qadi, Illinois Center for Transportation director, is testing airfield surfaces to develop new methods of paving at airports, with the goal of higher performing, longer lasting pavements.
At the same time, crews will be installing modern navigational aids to help aircraft follow the glidepath on Runway 4/22, one of our major commercial runways. The modernization of these systems improves safety at Willard.
I’ve been busy this summer traveling with our community partners, meeting with airlines and presenting the case for additional flights to Willard Airport. We’re making good progress, and we’ve raised nearly three million dollars in incentive funding for various new routes. We’ll continue to meet with airlines and raise funds as we seek to better connect Central Illinois to the world.
2025 marks Willard Airport’s 80th anniversary. Founded in October of 1945 to train new pilots after World War II, our airport has seen millions upon millions of faces come through its gates. But our commitment to service and excellent hasn’t changed. We strive to be a global gateway, a hub of innovation, and an economic engine connecting our community with opportunity around the world.
That’s why I want to end this letter by honoring Ruthie Harper from Ion Grove Café, which is located in the gate area, for her Brilliant Spirit Award at the 2025 Toast to Tourism hosted by Experience Champaign-Urbana. Ruthie lights up the whole airport, and she exemplifies our commitment to serving travelers. As Ion Grove Café hits a full year of operations in the terminal, they have served over 21,000 customers.
Thanks again for flying Willard Airport.
Tim Bannon, A.A.E.
Executive Director
University of Illinois – Willard Airport
