Jackson County – Tucked into the heart of Jackson County, the Southern Illinois Airport has consistently been making its mark in the United States as a leader in both the aviation and automotive industries.
Since 1960, the Southern Illinois Airport has housed Southern Illinois University’s nationally recognized aviation and automotive programs. These programs offer a comprehensive collection of courses for students – positioning them as highly marketable even before they graduate.
“We find our strength as national leaders because of our airfield tenants,” said Gary Shafer, SIAA airport manager. “Having SIU graduates with in-demand skills ready to enter the workforce is a boon for everyone at the airport.”
The new terminal building at Southern Illinois Airport opened summer 2022. The building is designed to mimic the shape of the original 1950 airport hangar. This new building is home to the third location of St. Nicholas Brewery, a 75-seat restaurant with a 30’ bar overlooking the runway. An additional 50 seats are available on the patio steps off the ramp. A brewery operation is in the front of the terminal – making Southern Illinois Airport the first and only general aviation airport in America with onsite beer brewing in its terminal.
The airport’s historic post-war hangar is undergoing transformation to become Hangar 1 Event Center. The history of the airport will be preserved and displayed in a virtual living history museum. And now the community is invited to host events of all sizes in the building.
Enhanced Aero has taken over the new Hangar 2 location. This company provides aircraft maintenance and avionics work on general aviation aircraft. The owners are SIU graduates with a strong focus on giving back to the community.
Code 1 Aviation has been a part of the airport tenant community for multiple years – and is continuing to experience record growth. This company is also led by SIU graduates and employs a maintenance team of more than 20 specialized and general technicians whose expertise spans the wide range of skills needed to restore and maintain all types of warbird aircraft. Their L-39 specialists have over 100 years of combined experience with the L-39 Albatross and many other aircraft types.
Crucial MRO is now occupying Hangar 10 and Hangar 11 – both brand new facilities on the campus in the last year. This tenant is focused on bringing in large regional jets and airliners for maintenance, repair and overhaul work.
Southern Illinois Airport is committed to growth and progress – especially in the land set aside as an automotive TechPark. Tenants are currently being recruited that fit the infrastructure and also need a qualified workforce from SIU. The airport has more than 400 acres set aside for this type of expansion.