Construction of Hawthorne Global Aviation Services' 36,900 square foot facility, to include Class A hangar and office space, has begun at Chicago Executive Airport (CEA), the fourth-busiest airport in Illinois. Work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The new facility is in compliance with the airport's master plan, which has been approved by joint owners, the Village of Wheeling and the City of Prospect Heights.

“We welcome Hawthorne's significant investment at the airport and are excited about its expansion, especially the important addition of hangar space,” says CEA chairman D. Court Harris. “These improvements will enhance the airport's value as an important economic engine for our community.”

Hawthorne, a CEA fixed-base operator since 2014, is expanding its current footprint and operations at the airport. Once completed, Hangar 22 will provide new tax revenue, additional ground rent and fuel flowage fees to the airport.

“This proposed space will help us better accommodate our customers and maintain the highest level of customer service our users have come to expect from us,” says David Annin, Hawthorne Global general manager. “I want to thank Chicago Executive Airport for its support on this project.”

According to CEA executive director Jeff Miller, CEA has seen an increase in corporate and business flights. “The new Hawthorne hangar showcases our ability to work with key partners who share our interest in making Chicago Executive the premier destination for business and leisure travellers. We will continue to work with all stakeholders to pursue opportunities that allow us to invest in this important infrastructure,” he says.