Schaumburg Regional named airport of the year by IDOT
The Schaumburg Regional Airport has received the 2018 Airport of the Year award from the Illinois Department of Transportation, village officials announced Monday.
The airport was selected because of its accomplishments throughout the year, including an outstanding partnership with IDOT and a strong commitment to customer safety and satisfaction, according to the village. The award recognizes cooperation and coordination with the state, facility safety record, promotion of seminars and aviation events and maintenance of the facility.
"The village has owned Schaumburg Regional Airport since 1994 and over the years this airport has been molded into a professional and first-class airport operation, generating a total economic impact of more than $18.9 million to the region," Mayor Al Larson said in an announcement of the award.
The single-runway general aviation airport encompasses 117 acres in both Cook County and DuPage counties. The facility at 905 W. Irving Park Road is home to about 90 aircraft and handles about 35,000 operations a year.
It also is home to Pilot Pete's restaurant, aircraft charters, flight training, airplane and helicopter rides, aircraft maintenance and is frequently used by Chicago television news helicopters.
"This award recognizes the hard work of a number of individuals who dedicate themselves to providing a quality facility and experience to members of the aviation community," Village Manager Brian Townsend said. "Karyn Robles, director of transportation, and Erik Trydal, airport manager, are to be commended for their efforts in making Schaumburg Regional Airport one of the best airports in the state."
Other winners of the award this year are MidAmerica Airport in Mascoutah; Lewis University Airport in Romeoville; Olney-Noble Airport in Noble; St. Louis Metro East/Shafer Field in Madison County; and Springfield Memorial Medical Center Heliport. The awards were presented by Gov. Bruce Rauner on May 24 during the Illinois Aviation Conference in Springfield.