Fly Champaign-UrbanaPosts Tagged ‘’

American Airlines Adds Second Daily Flight to Charlotte

From the press release via Willard Airport:

SAVOY, IL (March 18, 2019) – Your summer travel plans might be getting easier with the
addition of a second daily flight from Willard Airport to Charlotte Douglas International Airport
(CLT) beginning in May 2019.

“The one daily flight to Charlotte is performing very well,” says interim executive director, Tim
Bannon. “Performance of our first flight has done very well, warranting the addition of a second
daily flight.”

American Airlines began the first route to CLT in December. The second flight will begin May
3, 2019 and end July 6, 2019. Flights are able to be booked immediately.

“This additional flight will be seasonal to start, however if the flight performs as well as well as
the initial flight, it is possible American Airlines could make it permanent.” says Bannon.

The two departing daily flights will leave at 5:54 AM and 12:48 PM with return flights arriving
back to CMI at 12:08 PM and 8:49 PM.

“The additional flight will be great for the community. This will give travelers a second option for
a connection in Charlotte,” says Bannon.

The additional flight joins five daily flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport and two daily
flights to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

Press:

Willard Airport adding second daily flight to Charlotte in May, Smile Politely

American adds Charlotte-Willard flight, The News-Gazette

Champaign Airport Gets Second Daily Flight to Charlotte, Chambanamoms.com

Willard Airport Sees 12% Passenger Growth in 2017

From the press release:

For the first time in ten years, the University of Illinois hosted over 100,000 departing passengers through Willard Airport leading to more than 200,000 total passengers traveling to and from the Champaign-Urbana region through the airport.

The increase in passenger traffic is accredited to American Airlines increasing the number of flights in and out of the airport as well as United Airlines which began service between Champaign-Urbana (CMI) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) on June 8, 2017.

“With the increase in American Airlines flights and the new service from United Airlines, Willard Airport saw almost 50,000 additional seats available for all departing and arriving passengers in 2017. This growth in service is a boon for everyone in our community,” said Gene Cossey, Executive Director of Willard Airport.

Including all airline operations and charter operations, Willard Airport enplaned 104,596 passengers in 2017 which is highest number of enplaned passengers since 2007.

Press:

Willard Airport flew higher in 2017, The News-Gazette

Willard Airport saw growth in passenger traffic in 2017, Smile Politely

Willard’s passenger numbers soar 12 percent in 2017, The News-Gazette

Airport sees most passengers in 10 years, WCIA 3 News

 

 

Flightstar Celebrates Grand Opening of Hangar 10

Congrats to Flightstar on the grand opening of Hangar 10! This 31,000 SF facility was recently completed along with the refurbishment of the adjoined Hangar 3, creating a 52,000 SF complex.

Founded in 1978, Flightstar is an aviation service organization located at Willard Airport (Fly Champaign-Urbana) in Savoy, Illinois. With over 112,000 SF of hangar space, the company offers a range of services including a full-service fixed base operation, airline and general aviation maintenance, repair operations, avionics sales with installation and repair, and world-wide executive jet charter with full aircraft management services. Flightstar proudly serves as a Bombardier Authorized Service Facility and as a Honeywell Authorized Service Center. With over 120 team members, Flightstar prides itself on providing world-class aviation services delivered with a Midwestern work ethic and highly personalized customer service.

View photos from the grand opening here.

Press:

Flightstar Opens Newest Facility at Willard Airport, Fox Illinois 55/27

Willard Airport TSA Pre✓® Local Enrollment Event

Frequent traveler? Consider enrolling in TSA Pre✓® , an expedited screening program available at 167 U.S. airports. Fly Champaign-Urbana is hosting a local enrollment event from April 25th to May 6th. Learn more/schedule your appointment: https://www.flycmi.com/tsaprecheck.TSAPrecheckLogo

From the press release:

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Air travelers who would like to enroll in TSA’s popular expedited-screening program can do so at Savoy’s Willard Airport from 10:00 A.M. to 7 P.M. on April 25 to May 6. TSAPre✓® allows passengers to proceed quickly through airport security at 167 U.S. airports without removing footwear or presenting for inspection small containers of liquid, laptops, light outerwear or belts.

“It can be quite a hassle to enroll in this program at a distant location or at a busy airport,” said Gene Cossey, Willard Airport Executive Director. “Now, this limited time event can let travelers make an appointment and apply closer to home, rather than driving considerable distances and waiting in long lines.”

For easy access to the enrollment pages and for more information about the program, interested parties can visit www.iflycu.com.

The event will be held in the Willard Airport Café Conference room and Willard Airport will validate parking for all guests attending the TSA Pre✓® Enrollment event.

To complete the application process, each person will need to bring proof of identity and U.S. citizen documentation (such as a U.S. Passport or a birth certificate and a driver license) to his or her appointment. More information on ID requirements can be found at http://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/required-documentation.

The application process, including on-site fingerprint collection, will be completed at the event. TSA requires an $85 application for five years of service. The fee can be paid by credit card, money order, company check, or certified/cashier’s check. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.

About University of Illinois – Willard Airport:
Willard Airport currently has daily flights to both Chicago and Dallas-Fort Worth with easy connects to more than 175 cities. In 2015 over 170,000 passengers used Willard Airport.

Ushering in the New – Fly Champaign-Urbana Welcomes Executive Director Gene Cossey

Event Celebrates New Opportunity and Development at Willard Airport

SAVOY, Ill. (Dec. 16, 2015) – Today in a special event, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign officially welcomed Gene Cossey to the community as the Executive Director for the University of Illinois – Willard Airport. Cossey’s selection to the Champaign-Urbana team followed a national search led by a university-appointed committee. He has more than 25 years of airport management experience and most recently served as the Director of Operations at Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Executive Director Gene Cossey

Executive Director Gene Cossey

“Gene brings a wealth of experience to Willard Airport and can begin work immediately on the strategic and air service development plan recommended by the Advisory Board and adopted by the University,” said Associate Chancellor Michael DeLorenzo.

“I’m very happy to be joining the University of Illinois – Willard Airport team and thank the community for being so welcoming,” said Cossey. “The Airport Advisory Board and University staff have already launched several programs to enhance growth at the Airport. I’m excited to take the role of leading these new initiatives and look forward to continuing the momentum they have already established.”

During today’s welcoming event, the Champaign County Association of REALTORS® presented a check to the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation in the amount of $5,000 to assist with obtaining an economic impact study for the Airport, a project in partnership with the University of Illinois. The study, which will be completed by Sixel Consulting Group, the Airport’s air service development consulting firm, will determine the current economic impact the Airport has on Champaign County while highlighting the potential impact that would come from improved services and additional flights. The Champaign County Association of REALTORS® obtained the funds through a Smart Growth Action Grant sponsored by the National Association of REALTORS®. The study will assist the University and community by showcasing growth initiatives that help position the Airport as a regional transportation asset.

Champaign County Association of REALTORS® Check Presentation

Champaign County Association of REALTORS® Check Presentation

“The Champaign County Association of REALTORS® is eager to support and help fund this economic impact study on the future expansion of Willard Airport,” said Stefanie Pratt, president of the Champaign County Association of REALTORS®. “We believe this effort will provide long-term benefits for both the local housing and commercial real estate market, promote business growth, further the ongoing success of the University of Illinois and overall economic vitality of Champaign County. This study provides an opportunity to attract new residents and businesses to our community and further improve our area’s image as an exciting place to live and work.”

In addition to the $5,000 contributed by the Champaign County Association of REALTORS®, a number of other area businesses have contributed funds towards the study. Businesses that have contributed to the study fund include:

  • Champaign County EDC
  • City of Champaign
  • City of Urbana
  • Deep Silver Volition
  • Farnsworth Group
  • Flightstar Corporation
  • Frasca International
  • Human Kinetics
  • Litania Sports Group
  • Robeson’s, Inc.
  • Village of Savoy

During today’s event, the Airport also showcased new American Airlines branding and terminal updates. The terminal updates have been underway and passengers will notice that the check-in area has been reskinned to align with the new American Airlines branding and that two updated kiosks are featured for easy, hassle-free check-in. The ticket counters in the departure lounge have been moved closer to the departure gate which has opened the room up and allowed for a more comfortable and welcoming area.

In August, the University of Illinois – Willard Airport along with members of the Airport Advisory Board unveiled new Airport branding initiatives which included new logos, a revamped IFlyCU.com website and a social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. To coincide with the brand unveiling, the Airport has been implementing a full strategic marketing and air service development plan which has included a traditional advertising campaign, social media and outreach efforts focused on both the general traveling public and local business communities. The goal of the marketing and air service develop plan is to encourage more travelers from Champaign County to utilize the Airport for their travel needs.

About Fly Champaign-Urbana

When you Fly Champaign-Urbana you save time and money. Minutes from anywhere in Champaign County, University of Illinois – Willard Airport offers competitive fares with access to more than 175 cities on four continents with just a single stop. The Airport is served by American Airlines with six daily non-stop flights to Chicago O’Hare and a daily non-stop flight to Dallas/Ft. Worth on American Eagle. University of Illinois – Willard Airport boasts a terminal facility that is easy to navigate and parking is just a few steps from the plane. Next time you travel, remember to Fly Champaign-Urbana.

Press:

Fly Champaign-Urbana welcomes Executive Director Gene Cossey, Smile Politely

New Willard leader already has wheels up, The News-Gazette

Donation will cover cost of economic impact study, WCIA 3 News

University of Illinois Willard Airport welcomes new Executive Director, FOX 55/27 Illinois

Photos:

Champaign County EDC

Champaign County Association of REALTORS®

 

 

 

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