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(GARY, IN) — This morning, Gary/Chicago International Airport (GCIA), elected officials, project partners and business leaders today celebrated the completion and opening of the new $12 million Wingtip Aviation hangar, marking another significant milestone in the airport's continued growth and investment in Northwest Indiana.
The approximately 47,000-square-foot facility will serve as the new home of Wingtip Aviation's consolidated operations at GCIA and further expands the airport's ability to accommodate corporate and general aviation activity. Construction of the project was first announced during a groundbreaking ceremony in June 2024 and represents the latest investment in the airport's ongoing development strategy. Construction of the project supported nearly 150 construction jobs, and the facility is anticipated to support another 20 high-paying administrative and aviation-related positions as operations continue to scale.
The facility was developed by the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority and construction was managed by Powers & Sons Construction. The project received infrastructure support to fund needed site access through Indiana's Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) program, reflecting the state's commitment to strengthening economic opportunities throughout Northwest Indiana.
“Congratulations to Mayor Melton and all leaders from the City of Gary, the Gary/Chicago International Airport, the State of Indiana, and our organized labor construction workforce for successfully completing another signature private-sector economic development project in Gary,” said Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (IN-1st). “Let us build on this momentum and continue to support initiatives that create more high-paying jobs, strengthen our regional economy, and expand opportunities for families and businesses throughout Northwest Indiana."
"We are grateful to Wingtip Aviation, the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority, Powers & Sons, and all of our partners who continue to invest in Gary and believe in the future we are building together - this new hangar represents the continued progress and momentum happening at Gary/Chicago International Airport and throughout our city," stated City of Gary Mayor Eddie Melton. "Strategic investments like this create opportunities for our residents, support good-paying jobs, and strengthen Gary’s position as a destination for business and economic growth.”
"The opening of the Wingtip Aviation hangar is another important milestone in GCIA's ongoing evolution as a regional aviation hub," said Steve Mays, Vice President of the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority. "This facility enhances the services we can offer, supports our airport tenants and further demonstrates our commitment to creating an environment where businesses can succeed and grow."
The project was overseen by Powers & Sons Construction of Gary, Indiana.
"We are proud to have partnered with Gary/Chicago International Airport and Wingtip Aviation on a project that will serve the region for decades to come," said Kelly Baria, Powers & Sons Construction. "This hangar represents more than a building. It is an investment in economic development, workforce opportunity and the long-term future of Northwest Indiana."
For Wingtip Aviation, the facility provides a modern home for current operations while creating opportunities for continued expansion.
"This new hangar represents a major milestone for Wingtip Aviation and our commitment to Gary/Chicago International Airport," said Jeromy Montesano, owner of Wingtip Aviation. "By consolidating our operations into this purpose-built facility, we are better positioned to serve our customers, support our employees and continue growing alongside one of the most dynamic airports in the region."
Today's ribbon-cutting continues a period of sustained investment at GCIA, which has benefited from major infrastructure improvements over the last decade, including runway expansion projects and customs facility enhancements that have increased the airport's ability to serve larger aircraft and international travelers.
PROJECT FACT SUMMARY:
In 2015, the airport expanded its main runway to nearly 9,000 feet, making it the second longest runway in the region after O’Hare International Airport. This expansion has allowed the airport to service larger, heavier aircraft. GCIA opened its U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility in 2018, allowing air travelers from any international destination to frequent the airport without needing to clear customs elsewhere.
In 2020, GCIA began cargo service operations via UPS, who signed a long-term lease agreement. Cargo service operations have quickly scaled, and GCIA now ranks 3rd in the State of Indiana for its freight volume, with further growth anticipated in coming years. In 2022, GCIA received formal Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approvals for its Master Plan, a long-term planning document that will guide the next several decades of airport aviation and growth. In late 2023, GCIA announced its acquisition of the Griffith-Merrillville Airport, making GCIA one of only three aviation "systems" in the State of Indiana.
2024 saw multiple milestones reached, including unveiling its new website, breaking ground on a new $12 million, 47,000 square foot aviation hangar as well as breaking ground on “Phase 1” of a planned $67 million cargo services infrastructure investment that will boost its growing cargo sector. This effort coincided with the airport agreeing to a long-term extension with UPS, further enlarging the airports cargo capacity. The year also saw the airport awarded a $1.7 million Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant to design and engineer a new, state-of-the-art airport traffic control tower.
GCIA furthered its cargo services sector growth considerably in 2025, having awarded a $15 million contract for its new Cargo and General Aviation Ramp. This was the largest contract awarded since the 2015 expansion of the main runway. The year also saw a $9.8 million grant awarded to fuel their Phase 1 cargo services expansion, accelerating the construction timeline of the overall project considerably.
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