Gary Airport Opens $12 Million Wingtip Aviation Hangar

Wingtip Aviation opened its new 47,000-square-foot hangar at Gary/Chicago International Airport on July 17, giving the Gary airport additional operating space for corporate and general aviation.

The completed facility represents a documented $12 million investment. It serves as the consolidated home for Wingtip Aviation’s airport operations and is intended to accommodate the company’s managed large-cabin business-jet fleet.

Construction supported nearly 150 jobs

City and airport officials said construction of the hangar supported nearly 150 construction jobs. Those positions were tied to the building phase and should not be counted as permanent airport employment.

The facility is expected to support about 20 administrative and aviation-related positions as Wingtip Aviation continues to expand its operations. That figure is an anticipated employment effect, not a completed hiring total.

New space for business aviation

The hangar gives Wingtip a purpose-built location to consolidate its operations and house its managed large-cabin business aircraft. Aviation International News independently reported that the 47,000-square-foot facility will serve Wingtip’s aircraft fleet and operations staff.

For Gary/Chicago International Airport, the opening expands the space available for corporate and general aviation activity. The city and airport announcements do not quantify a specific increase in aircraft movements, passenger service, airline flights or airport revenue.

Project received site-access support

The Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority developed the facility, while Powers & Sons Construction managed the work. Project materials also say infrastructure needed for site access received support through Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, known as READI.

The hangar was first announced at a June 2024 groundbreaking. Its July 17 opening marks the shift from construction to an operating aviation facility at Gary/Chicago International Airport.

For residents, workers and local officials, the measurable effects are the completed $12 million investment, nearly 150 construction jobs tied to the build-out and an expected approximately 20 administrative and aviation-related positions. Broader effects on passenger traffic, airline service or airport revenue have not been documented in the sources reviewed.

Sources

• City of Gary: Gary/Chicago International Airport celebrates Wingtip Aviation hangar opening
• Gary/Chicago International Airport: Wingtip Aviation hangar press release
• Aviation International News: Wingtip Aviation finds new nest at Chicago-area airport