Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) is experiencing a strong bounce back in traffic amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The dedicated business aviation gateway, which also serves as a reliever for Chicago O’Hare International, saw its largest single month of flight operations last month since July 2015, with 9,041 takeoffs and landings.
As the airport is home to several flight schools and a trio of FBOs, with the headquarters of several corporations in the area, the data encompasses all sectors of general aviation activity, from small single-engine pistons to business jets. Like the entire aviation industry, the airport, which remained fully open to supporting essential flights, saw rapid declines in operations in April and May due to local quarantine and shutdown orders.
“We’re encouraged by this strong return of flight operations during the summer months,” said Jamie Abbott, PWK’s executive director, adding safety is always the airport’s top priority. “Our staff and partners at the airport continue to work diligently to maintain open and safe facilities, and it’s a testament to their efforts that general aviation in the Chicagoland area is thriving.”