Flughafen Chicago Exec (PWK)
Chicago Executive Airport (IATA: PWK / ICAO: KPWK) is a pivotal regional airport located in Wheeling, Illinois, mere miles from the bustling city of Chicago in the United States. Established in 1925, the airport originally served as a private airfield named Gauthier’s Flying Field, before undergoing multiple evolutions and rebrands - from Pal-Waukee Airport in 1928 to its current moniker, Chicago Executive, in 2006. This transformation underscored its critical role in serving the metropolitan Chicago area, providing an essential hub for general aviation, corporate flights, and charter services.
Positioned conveniently near the nexus of I-294 and Lake Cook Road, Chicago Executive Airport boasts a strategic location that facilitates swift access to downtown Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Spanning over 412 acres, the airport features three runways, with the longest being 5,001 feet, accommodating a wide variety of aircraft ranging from small single-engine planes to sophisticated corporate jets.
Chicago Executive Airport is a vital aviation asset in the region, handling approximately 77,000 takeoffs and landings annually. While it does not serve commercial airliners, its significance lies in its service to over 100,000 passengers yearly, primarily through business and private aviation. The facility supports a thriving community of around 300 based aircraft, including jets, helicopters, and turboprops, further cementing its status as a cornerstone of aviation in the area.
Whether catering to the needs of business travelers or aviation enthusiasts, Chicago Executive Airport remains a cornerstone of the regional aviation network, offering superior service, state-of-the-art amenities, and a gateway to one of the nation’s most dynamic urban centers.