Signature Bank finances J.A. Air Center expansion in Aurora

ROSEMONT — Signature Bank announced it provided financing to J.A. Air Center to expand its operation at the Aurora Municipal Airport. The tailored financing will allow the 55-year-old company to leverage its location in the West suburbs to expand beyond its original footprint.

J.A. Air Center serves both business and private aviation, offering fueling, aircraft maintenance, avionics and more. With nearly 150,000 square feet, its larger facility features an 11,000-square-foot private terminal with a vintage car display, 100,000 square feet of heated hangar space capable of sheltering a G650, and a 15,500-square-foot arrival canopy to protect customers from the harsh Chicago elements. J.A.'s flight school, J.A. Flight Services, offers collegiate and noncollegiate programs for those interested in becoming a professional pilot.

“With the Chicago area landlocked to the east, south and north, we feel that J.A. Air Center is well positioned for growth to the west,” said Signature Bank Vice President Dave Wymer.

J.A. Air Center opened its doors as Joliet Avionics, an avionics shop in 1965 and has evolved into one of the largest independent air base operators in the United States.