August 2, 2011

Sponsor: University of Illinois Office of Capital Programs and Real Estate Services

Champaign, Illinois

Bruce K. Walden, Director

Congressional Code: IL-015

Dun & Bradstreet Number: 04-154-4081

Tax Identification Number (EIN): 37-6000511

Application for Federal Support for New Air Service via:

Revenue Guarantees

Advertising/Marketing Program

Start-Up Cost Offsets

In Support of Non-Stop Service between Champaign/Urbana and Washington Dulles

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS WILLARD AIRPORT

CHAMPAIGN/URBANA, ILLINOIS

Proposal Under the Small Community Air Service Development Program

Docket DOT-OST-2011-0119
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Summary Information – Appendix C 3

Introduction 6

The Champaign/Urbana Air Service Market 8

Current and Historical Service 9

Air Service Development Efforts 14

Air Service Needs and Deficiencies 17

Strategic Plan for New Air Service 21

Proposed New Route 23

Implementation Timeline 29

Alternate Plan 30

Public/Private Partnership 31

Funding Plan 33

Performance Measures and Financial Controls 35

Legal Sponsor 36

Availability of Alternate Airports 37

Airport Information 38

Community Profile 39

Comparison to Other Communities in Region 47

Conclusions 52

Section Page Number
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 3

SUMMARY INFORMATION – APPENDIX C

Small Community Air Service Development Program

Docket DOT-OST-2011-0119

A. Applicant Information

 Not a Consortium Community now receives EAS subsidy

 Interstate Consortium Intrastate Consortium

 Community previously received a Small Community Grant

 If previous recipient, date of Grant: ________________________________

expiration date of Grant: _______________________

B. Public/Private Partnership

Public:

1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

2. City of Champaign

3. City of Urbana

Private:

1. Champaign County Economic Development Corporation

2. Champaign County Alliance

3. University of Illinois Chancellor’s Office Community Projects Fund

C. Project Proposal

 Marketing Upgrade Aircraft New Route

 Travel Bank Service Restoration Subsidy

 Surface Transportation Regional Service Revenue Guarantee

 Launch New Carrier Start-Up Cost Offset First Service

 Study Secure Additional Service Other (Specify)
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 4

D. Existing Landing Aids at Airport

 Full ILS Outer/Middle Marker Published Instrument Approach

 Localizer Other: VOR, GPS, NDB, PAPI, VASI

E. Project Cost

1. Federal amount requested: $ 600,000

2. State cash financial contribution: $ 0

Local cash financial contribution:

3a. Airport cash funds: $ 80,000

3b. Non-Airport cash funds: $ 0

3. Total local cash funds: $ 80,000

4. TOTAL CASH FUNDING: $ 680,000

In-Kind Contribution:

a. Airport In-Kind contribution: $ 345,007

b. Other In-Kind contribution: $ Various

5. TOTAL IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION: $ 345,007 + Media Match

6. TOTAL PROJECT COST: $ 1,025,007 + In-Kind

F. In-Kind Contributions

For funds in lines 7a (airport in-kind contribution) and 7b (other in-kind contribution), 

please describe the source(s) of fund(s) for each.

Airport In-Kind: 

Landing Fee Waiver for 12 Months: $34,125

Jetbridge Fee Waiver for 12 Months: $19,344

Common Use Rent Waiver for 12 Months: $212,736

Dedicated Space Rental Waiver for 12 Months: $78,792

Total Airport In-Kind Contribution: $345,007

Community In-Kind: Matching funding for advertising and marketing of service.
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 5

G. Is Application Subject to Review by State Under Executive Order 12372 Process?

 This application was made available to the State on ______.

 Program is subject to review, but has not been selected by the State.

 Program is not covered.

H. Is Applicant Delinquent on any Federal Debt?

 No
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 6

INTRODUCTION

The market served by the University of Illinois Willard Airport in Champaign/Urbana is one of the

highest fare markets in the United States, with a current average one way fare of $280 – 71% 

above the Great Lakes regional average fare. Willard Airport has the highest fare in all of Illinois 

and Indiana. Fares have been driven up in the market as airline capacity has been reduced –

down 30% - by an average of 140 departing seats per day – in the last two years.

Champaign/Urbana lost one of the two airlines serving the community last August when Delta 

Air Lines discontinued the Delta Connection service that had linked Champaign/Urbana with 

the Detroit hub for over ten years. Although American Eagle continued its Champaign/Urbana 

service to Chicago and Dallas/Ft. Worth, the loss 

of Delta's service resulted in fewer 

enplanements and higher fares. Passengers 

are, in fact, down 37% in the last five years at 

Willard Airport.

Moreover, many of the 411,000 residents of the 

catchment area, and businesses in and around 

Champaign and Urbana, have been 

conditioned to use air service available from other airports in the region due to fare disparities. 

This has resulted in leakage estimated at 73,000 passengers per year in 2010, or 100 passengers 

per day each way.

The University of Illinois Willard Airport has developed a plan for additional air service, on a new 

airline, to a destination, and a region, that is not served at any of the airports in central Illinois. 

The Airport is seeking a Small Community Air Service Development Grant in support of new 

service on United/United Express to Washington Dulles. The Dulles hub provides excellent 

connectivity to 69 markets in which current connections require backtracks through other hubs. 

Moreover, the Dulles hub provides improved international connectivity to the market, which is 

important considering 17% of Champaign/Urbana passengers are traveling to and from 

international destinations.

“Willard Airport has the highest fares 

in all of Illinois and Indiana. Fares 

have been driven up... as airline 

capacity has been reduced – down 

30% – in the last two years.”
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 7

The University of Illinois Willard Airport is seeking a Small Community Air Service Development 

Grant in the amount of $600,000. The Airport has already accumulated matching cash funding 

of $80,000 for the project. Of the total cash project cost of $680,000, the community will be 

providing cash funding for 12% of the funding needs. Outside cash funding, the Airport has 

committed more than $345,000 in fee waivers for the first year of service. Organizations within 

the community and the University of Illinois recognize the economic value commercial service at 

Willard Airport brings to the community and have underscored their commitment by allocating 

financial resources to the proposed marketing and advertising project.
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 8

THE CHAMPAIGN/URBANA AIR SERVICE MARKET

Current and Historical Air Service

The University of Illinois Willard Airport serves as a vital connection to the air transportation system 

for more than 400,000 residents in central Illinois. The Airport continues to suffer from flight 

reductions, capacity cuts, and rising fares which now rank it as the most expensive airport in 

which to fly in or out in all of Illinois and Indiana. The challenges have caused the Airport to lose 

37% of its passenger traffic in the last six year – a loss of an average of 128 passengers per day 

each way.

The University of Illinois 

Willard Airport is the 

primary airport serving 

Champaign, Urbana and 

other smaller 

communities within a 30 

to 60-minute drive time 

radius around the airport 

in Illinois and Indiana. 

193,000 residents live 

within a 30-minute drive 

of the airport, and 

411,000 residents live 

within a 60-minute drive 

of the airport (see map 

1). There are three other 

communities in Central 

Illinois with commercial airline service within two hours of Champaign/Urbana, including Peoria, 

Bloomington/Normal and Springfield.

In the summer of 2011, American Eagle is the only airline left serving Champaign/Urbana. Delta 

Connection discontinued its service in the market between Champaign and Detroit on August 

31, 2010. Since Delta left the market, American Eagle has expanded service marginally, by

adding a sixth weekday flight to Chicago O’Hare, complementing its single daily flight to 

Dallas/Ft. Worth (see figure 1). American Eagle capacity in Champaign/Urbana is up about 15% 

MAP 1: University of Illinois Willard Airport Catchment Area

Source: Sixel Consulting Group
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 9

in the last year (August 

2011 over August 2010). 

Still, overall Willard Airport 

capacity is down by 49 

departing seats per day 

in the last year, or 14.8%.

Champaign/Urbana’s air 

service story is one of 

rising fares, declining 

passengers, and 

significant passenger 

suppressing and leakage 

to other airports. As 

recently as 2005, Willard 

Airport averaged 347 

passengers per day each 

way (see figure 2) – even 

with the average fare at 

$208 each way. By 2010, 

the number of 

passengers traveling 

through Willard Airport 

had dropped to just 219 

passengers per day each way – a loss of 37% - as the average one way fare had increased to 

$280 – up by $72 each way or 35% since 2005.

The exception in the declining number of passengers using the Airport is in international traffic. 

International passengers make up a surprisingly large percentage of total passengers for a 

regional market - 17% of Willard Airport’s total passengers, or 36 passengers per day each way in 

2010 (see figure 2 on next page). This reflects the impact of the University of Illinois on the 

community, with its large number of international students and faculty. It also reflects the 

business make-up of the community, with many high tech, highly mobile businesses based in 

Champaign/Urbana.

FIGURE 1: Current Service at the University of Illinois Willard Airport

August 2010 vs. August 2011; Source: Airline Schedules

Non-Stop Departures Seats Departures Seats Capacity

Carrier Destination Per Day Per Day Per Day Per Day Change

Delta DTW 2 98 0 0 -100.0%

Delta Total 2 98 0 0 -100.0%

American Eagle ORD 4.9 232 5.6 281 17.4%

DFW 1 50 1 50 0.0%

American Eagle Total 5.9 282 6.6 331 14.8%

Champaign/Urbana Total 7.9 380 6.6 331 -14.8%

Aug-10 Aug-11
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 10

Rising fares in the Champaign/Urbana market have put Willard Airport at a significant 

competitive disadvantage relative to the other airports in central Illinois. In 2010, Willard Airport 

had the highest average one way 

fare of all airports in Illinois and 

Indiana. The average one way 

fare in Champaign/Urbana was 

$280, which is 70%, or $116 each 

way, above the average fare in 

the region of $164 (see figure 3).

It is also important to benchmark 

Champaign/Urbana fares against 

those of other airports in central 

Illinois that provide a similar service 

to similarly sized catchment areas. 

FIGURE 2: O&D Passengers and Average Fares at the University of Illinois Willard Airport

2001 – 2010; Source: US DOT Table OD1A

FIGURE 3: Average Fares in Illinois and Indiana Markets

CY2010; Source: US DOT Table OD1A

199,280 189,510

160,500

200,650

226,460

196,020 187,930

160,980

143,930 133,200

19,920

21,350

19,680

22,230

26,780

27,370

25,760

24,580

23,120

26,500

300.3

288.8

246.8

305.3

346.9

306.0

292.7

254.2

228.8

218.8

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

PDEW Int'l Pax Domestic Pax

$198

$192

$206

$192

$208

$231

$240

$264

$242

$280

$280

$224

$190

$184

$175

$172

$167

$166

$154

$146

$137

$125

$115

$102

$77

$0 $50 $100 $150 $200 $250

Champaign, IL

Evansville, IN

Fort Wayne, IN

Springfield, IL

Chicago O'Hare, IL

South Bend, IN

Peoria, IL

Moline, IL

Indianapolis, IN

Bloomington/Normal, IL

Chicago Midway, IL

Marion, IL

Quincy, IL

Rockford, IL

Decatur, IL Regional Average: $164
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 11

At $280 each way, the average Champaign/Urbana fare is $96 each way higher, or 52% above, 

the average fare at Springfield (see figure 3). The Champaign/Urbana average fare is $113 

each way, or 68% above, the average one way fare at Peoria. And the average 

Champaign/Urbana on way fare is $134 higher, or 92% above, the average fare at 

Bloomington/Normal in 2010.

The higher average fares at Champaign/Urbana are a reflection of declining capacity in the 

market and the fact that most other central Illinois markets have many more available airline 

seats as of 2010. Since the summer of 2008, total available seat capacity at Willard Airport is 

down by 30% - or by an average of 140 departing seats per day (see figure 4). At the same 

time, daily departures have dropped from 10.2 to just 6.8 – a loss of 3.4 daily flights in and out of 

the Airport, or 33% of all flights.

With the decline in capacity at the Airport, load factors have increased substantially, despite 

fares that have risen to join the highest average fares in the nation. The average load factor for 

Champaign/Urbana flights in March of 2010 was 64% (see figure 4). By March of 2011, the load 

factor had grown to 74% on Champaign/Urbana flights – a year over year increase of ten points. 

FIGURE 4: Flights, Seats and Passengers per Day Each Way,

University of Illinois Willard Airport, July 2008 – March 2011

472

428

395 394

381

309

339

382 386 387

374 384

425

371 364

408

380

324

310

334

375

365 361

395

413

377

280 277 278

261

277 279

332

260.8

247.9

233.5

269.2

254.5

207.2197.4

222.2

248.4

228.9

244.6

264.4

237.3238.0235.5

267.0

244.3

202.5

181.9

212.2

240.9

230.1

247.7257.1

222.7

243.3

225.5

245.3240.0

202.6206.9209.0

245.7

0

100

200

300

400

500

Available SDEW Onboard PDEW Flights DEW

10.2

9.3

8.6 8.6 8.3

6.8

7.5

8.4 8.4 8.5 8.1 8.4

9.5

8.4

7.6

8.5

8.0

7.0 6.7

7.2

7.9 7.8 7.6

8.2 8.5

7.8

5.8 5.8 5.8

5.3 5.7 5.7

6.8
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 12

This load factor increase, despite all other challenges, indicates the remaining demand for air 

travel in the market is resilient.

Much of the passenger demand in the market is bound for the East Coast. Three of the five top 

origin and destination passenger markets from Champaign/Urbana in 2010 were on the East 

Coast including New 

York/Newark, with an average 

of 13.1 passengers per day 

each way, Washington, DC, 

with an average of 12.2 

passengers per day each way, 

and Boston, with an average of 

8.8 passengers per day each 

way (see figure 5).

Champaign/Urbana passenger 

demand bound for the East 

Coast is forced to either 

connect through Chicago 

O’Hare, with a dogleg 

backtrack, or to fly from another 

airport in the region such as 

Indianapolis or one of the 

airports in Chicago. While 

Champaign/Urbana is linked 

well to demand for travel to the 

west, through Dallas/Ft. Worth 

on American, it is not well linked for demand for travel to the east.

FIGURE 5: Top 25 O&D Passenger Markets, CY2010;

University of Illinois Willard Airport; Source: US DOT Table OD1A

9,580

8,920

7,380

6,980

6,400

4,940

4,560

4,440

4,060

3,530

3,050

2,920

2,870

2,730

2,710

2,700

2,600

2,360

2,320

2,120

13.1

12.2

10.1

9.6

8.8

6.8

6.2

6.1

5.6

4.8

4.2

4.0

3.9

3.7

3.7

3.7

3.6

3.2

3.2

2.9

0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 8,000 9,000 10,000

New York/Newark, NY

Washington, DC

Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

San Francisco, CA

Boston, MA

Los Angeles, CA

Chicago, IL

Seattle/Tacoma, WA

Detroit, MI

Las Vegas, NV

Denver, CO

Minneapolis/St Paul, MN

Philadelphia

Phoenix/Mesa, AZ

San Diego, CA

Seoul, Korea

Austin, TX

Raleigh/Durham, NC

San Jose, CA

Houston, TX

Annual Passengers 

PDEW
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 13

Moreover, average fares for travel to 

markets in the east from 

Champaign/Urbana are relatively 

high considering the relatively short 

stage length of travel. The overall 

average one way fare in and out of 

Champaign/Urbana in 2010 was $280 

(see figure 6). The average fare to 

New York/Newark was $178 each 

way, or $356 roundtrip, while the 

average fare to Washington, DC was 

$213 each way, or $426 roundtrip. 

The average DC fare was $17, or 9%,

higher than the average fare to 

Phoenix, despite the fact that 

Washington, DC is 783 miles closer to 

Champaign/Urbana than Phoenix.

The net effect of high average fares, 

declining capacity, and limited airline 

options is that central Illinois has 

limited access to the national air transportation system. It is more difficult in 2011 for those living 

in the region to access air service than it has been at any point in the last decade. 

For the first time since deregulation, the University of Illinois Willard Airport in Champaign/Urbana 

has service on just one carrier. The effect of this consolidation of service has been increasing 

fares, reduced capacity, and fewer opportunities for travel to and through the Airport.

FIGURE 6: One Way Fares to Top O&D Passenger Markets, CY2010

University of Illinois Willard Airport; Source: US DOT Table OD1A

$178

$213

$196

$215

$165

$230

$174

$243

$157

$170

$201

$173

$182

$196

$226

$886

$181

$182

$243

$207

$0 $50 $100 $150 $200 $250 $300 $350 $400 $450

New York/Newark, NY

Washington, DC

Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

San Francisco, CA

Boston, MA

Los Angeles, CA

Chicago, IL

Seattle/Tacoma, WA

Detroit, MI

Las Vegas, NV

Denver, CO

Minneapolis/St Paul, MN

Philadelphia

Phoenix/Mesa, AZ

San Diego, CA

Seoul, Korea

Austin, TX

Raleigh/Durham, NC

San Jose, CA

Houston, TX

Average One Way Fare: $280

Seoul Not to Scale
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 14

AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS

The University of Illinois Willard Airport is active in air service development, regularly meeting with 

airlines, working with community stakeholders to better understand their needs and goals in local 

air service, and in working to build risk mitigation packages for additional service. Most recently, 

University leaders attended a small airports conference in spring of 2011, meeting with airlines 

such as SkyWest, Frontier and Gulfstream, to determine which had interest in further pursuing 

service in central Illinois.

In the summer of 2010, as soon as the University was notified by Delta that it was going to leave 

the market, it set up a meeting with American Eagle in Dallas, to discuss expanded service to fill 

Delta’s void. The University hired an air 

service development consulting firm to 

present materials proving the market could 

handle additional capacity (see figure 7). 

The result of this meeting was an additional 

weekday regional jet frequency between 

Champaign/Urbana and Chicago O’Hare, 

bringing weekday flights to six per day in 

each direction, and increasing American’s 

capacity in the market by 15%.

After meeting with a number of airlines in 

the last nine months, the University has 

concluded it will be essential to offer risk 

mitigation, in the form of a revenue 

guarantee, for any new route and/or new airline. Due to the budget crisis in the State of Illinois, 

and subsequent pressure on the University’s budget, it is clear the majority of this guarantee must 

come from outside sources, such as the Small Community Air Service Development Program.

FIGURE 7: CMI Presentation to American Eagle

October 2010; Source: Sixel Consulting Group
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 15

AIR SERVICE NEEDS AND DEFICIENCIES IN CHAMPAIGN/URBANA

It is clear that the Champaign/Urbana air service market suffers from a lack of available airline 

capacity, extremely high average fares, and a lack of competition between carriers. The main 

air service need for the region is additional non-stop destinations on additional competing 

carriers. It is believed this additional competition will help solve some of the problems that cause 

passengers to leak out of the immediate catchment area to other airports in the region.

Before the leakage problem can be solved, it must be more clearly understood. The University 

of Illinois Willard Airport’s catchment area represents about a fifth of the total population of 

central Illinois. Altogether, central Illinois has a current population of almost 1.1 million people. 

The Champaign/Urbana metropolitan area had a population of 226,587 as of the latest US 

Census estimates, making it the second largest metro area in central Illinois, after Peoria (see 

figure 8). Champaign/Urbana’s specific population share is 20.8%.

FIGURE 8: Regional Population Distribution in Central Illinois

Source: US Census Estimates, 2009

Peoria (PIA) 375,002 34.5%

Champaign/Urbana (CMI) 226.587 20.8%

Springfield (SPI) 209,148 19.2%

Bloomington/Normal (BMI) 168,451 15.5%

Decatur (DEC) 108,132 9.9%

Population Share

Regional Population
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 16

The University of Illinois Willard Airport does not come close to retaining the number of 

passengers equal to its share of the regional population. In other words, the Airport is “leaking” a 

large percentage of its passengers to other airports – even though the service offered at those 

airports is not always superior to the service offered in Champaign/Urbana. The main reason for 

this leakage is likely based on average fare, which has been proven in this application to favor 

Bloomington/Normal, Peoria, and Springfield over Champaign/Urbana.

In many markets, an Airport draws a number of passengers proportional to its overall population 

in the region. If that were to be the case in the Champaign/Urbana market, one could 

reasonably expect the Airport to retain about 20.8% of 

the total passengers using all five airports in the larger 

region. However, in the case of the 

Champaign/Urbana MSA, Willard Airport does not 

retain anywhere close to that percentage of the 

region’s passengers. Willard Airport retains just 12.2% of 

the region’s total origin and destination passengers (see 

figures 9 and 10).

As of calendar year 2010, Willard Airport in 

Champaign/Urbana saw a total of 102,511 originating 

passengers. If the Airport had been able to retain the 

number of regional passengers proportional to its share 

of population in the region, it would have been used by 

another 73,198 originating passengers. In effect, Willard

Airport “leaked” these passengers to other airports in 

the region – a leakage rate of 41.7%. Willard Airport 

only retains about 58.3% of the passengers that should 

be expected based on its share of the regional 

population.

The largest beneficiary of Champaign/Urbana’s passenger leakage is Bloomington/Normal. The 

Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington had “reverse leakage” in 2010, when it drew 177% 

more passengers than its proportion of the regional population. While the Bloomington/Normal 

area makes up 15.5% of the region’s population, it boards almost 43% of the region’s total origin 

and destination passengers (see figures 9 and 10). If Bloomington/Normal retained a number of 

FIGURE 9: Regional Population Share

Source: US Census Estimates, 2009

FIGURE 10: Regional O&D Passenger Share

Source: US DOT Table OD1A

CMI 20.84%

DEC 9.94%

SPI 19.24%

BMI 15.49%

PIA 34.49%

CMI 12.16%

DEC 0.28%

SPI 7.35%

BMI 42.91%

PIA 37.30%
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 17

origin and destination passengers proportional to its regional population share, it would be 

expected to generate 130,627 originating passengers annually. As of calendar year 2010, 

Bloomington/Normal saw a total of 361,845 originating O&D passengers – 231,218 originating 

passengers above its regional share.

Another way of determining passenger leakage from the Champaign/Urbana market to other 

airports in central Illinois is by comparing the economy of Champaign/Urbana to the economies 

of the other four cities in central Illinois with commercially-served airports. The easiest way to 

gauge each catchment area’s contribution to the economy of the region is to compare the 

gross metropolitan products (GMP) of each. A GMP is much like a gross national product – an 

overall gauge of economic activity in a specific area, measured in dollars earned.

The United States Council of Mayors reports the Champaign/Urbana metro area produced a 

GMP of $8.8 billion, which represented 18.8% of the total gross regional product (GRP) of the 

FIGURE 11: Regional Gross Metropolitan Product (GMP) Distribution

Source: US Council of Mayors

Peoria (PIA) $17.1 Billion 36.8%

Springfield (SPI) $9.3 Billion 19.9%

Champaign/Urbana (CMI) $8.8 Billion 18.8%

Bloomington/Normal (BMI) $6.3 Billion 13.4%

Decatur (DEC) $5.2 Billion 11.1%

GMP Share

Gross Metropolitan Product (GMP)
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 18

area also including Peoria, Springfield, Bloomington/Normal, and Decatur (see figure 11). The 

Peoria area generated the largest portion of the GRP, with $17.1 billion, or 36.8%, while 

Springfield produced a GMP of $9.3 billion – good for 19.9% of the GRP. Bloomington/Normal 

produced a GMP of $6.3 billion in economic activity or 13.4% of the region’s GRP, while Decatur

produced 11.1% of the GRP on total economic activity of $5.2 billion.

Despite producing 18.8% of the total gross regional product (GRP), the University of Illinois Willard 

Airport retains just 12.2% of the region’s total originating passengers (see figures 12 and 13). As of 

the calendar year 2010, Willard Airport generated a 

total of 102,511 originating passengers. If the Airport 

had been able to retain the number of regional 

passengers proportional to its share of the GRP, it would 

have been used by another 56,409 passengers. In 

effect, Willard Airport “leaked” these passengers to 

other airports in the region – a leakage rate of 35.4%. 

The Airport only retains about 64.5% of the passengers 

that should be expected based on its share of the gross 

regional product.

There appears to be a large beneficiary of the Willard 

Airport’s passenger leakage: once again, it’s 

Bloomington/Normal. Bloomington/Normal

experienced “reverse leakage” as of the calendar 

year 2010, when it drew almost 219% more passengers 

than its proportion of the gross regional product (GRP). 

While the area surrounding Bloomington/Normal 

generates 13.4% of the GRP, the Central Illinois 

Regional Airport boards almost 43% of the region’s 

total originating passengers (see figures 12 and 13). If Bloomington/Normal retained a number 

of origin and destination passengers proportional to its GRP share, it would be expected to 

generate 113,119 originating passengers annually. In 2010, Bloomington/Normal saw a total of 

361,845 originating passengers – 219 % above its projected GRP share. 

It has been established that the University of Illinois Willard Airport is losing a significant number 

passengers from its catchment area to Bloomington/Normal. Attention then turns to the reasons 

FIGURE 12: Regional GMP Share

Source: US Council of Mayors

FIGURE 13: Regional O&D Passenger Share

Source: US DOT Table OD1A

CMI 18.85%

DEC 11.05%

BMI 13.42% SPI 19.91%

PIA 36.78%

CMI 12.16%

DEC 0.28%

SPI 7.35%

BMI 42.91%

PIA 37.30%
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 19

why travelers are driving to other airports. 

As is the case with many other airports 

experiencing leakage, it all comes 

down to the availability of flights and 

the fares on those flights. 

With substantial seat cuts over the last 

two years, Champaign/Urbana ranks as 

one of the most underserved markets in 

the Midwest. As of calendar year 2010, 

Champaign/Urbana had just 0.57

available departing airline seats per capita of its Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) (see figure 

14). With less than one departing seat per resident per year, the Champaign/Urbana MSA had 

fewer available departing seats than both Peoria and Bloomington/Normal, along with the 

other, larger airports in the region such as Chicago O’Hare, Chicago Midway, and Indianapolis. 

The central Illinois average number of available departing airline seats per capita was 0.96 as of 

2010. Champaign/Urbana’s available departing seats per capita was just 59% of that average –

meaning Champaign/Urbana is the second most underserved market in its surrounding region.

The same can be said about 

enplaned passengers per capita. 

Champaign/Urbana lags behind 

all but one other central Illinois city

as of calendar year 2010 (see 

figure 15). Willard Airport saw just 

0.29 passengers per resident of the 

Champaign/Urbana MSA – less 

than one fifth the number of 

passengers per capita of the 

nearest airport in Bloomington/Normal. The central Illinois average number of passengers per 

capita was 0.61 in 2010 – more than double the average in Champaign/Urbana’s MSA.

These indicators illustrate how the University of Illinois Willard Airport is relatively underserved 

when compared to corollary cities in its own region. The challenge for the Airport in recruiting 

additional service is the declining number of passengers using the Airport. But, as illustrated in 

FIGURE 14: Available Seats per Capita in Illinois Markets

CY2010; Source: US DOT T100, US Census Estimates

FIGURE 15: Passengers per Capita in Illinois Markets

CY2010; Source: US DOT T100, US Census Estimates

2.18

0.89

0.57

0.52

0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0

BMI

PIA

CMI

SPI

Central Illinois Average: 0.96

1.52

0.60

0.29

0.24

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4

BMI

PIA

CMI

SPI

Central Illinois Average: 0.61
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 20

this proposal, passengers in the market have been suppressed by large seat cuts over the last 

two years, and increasing fares – which rank as the highest average fares in both Illinois and 

Indiana.
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 21

STRATEGIC PLAN FOR NEW AIR SERVICE

It is clear the Champaign/Urbana market is underserved. It suffers from some of the highest fares 

in the nation – the highest of all airports in Illinois and Indiana – and it has seen capacity cut by 

more than 100 departing seats per day in the last three years. The University of Illinois Willard

Airport has developed this strategic plan to address deficiencies in capacity and in access to 

markets to the east. It is also projected that the competition provided by this plan will help to 

reduce airfares.

The University of Illinois Willard Airport proposes to 

use a combination of locally raised funding in 

conjunction with federal Small Community Air 

Service Development Grant funding in support of 

the addition of a new eastbound hub. Eastbound 

service is essential in Champaign/Urbana, and in 

all of central Illinois, after Willard Airport lost Delta 

service to Detroit. The loss of these flights left the 

market with no easy eastbound access. It must 

also be noted, there is no east coast service on 

any airline from any central Illinois airport.

Willard Airport seeks a Small Community Air Service Development Grant, in the amount of 

$600,000, to help mitigate United’s initial monetary risk in serving the Champaign/Urbana –

Washington Dulles route (see map 2). The Airport proposes two daily flights on the route in each 

direction. The route between Champaign/Urbana and Washington Dulles would cover 583 miles 

in a flight time of one hour and 20 minutes, on average, assuming an average groundspeed of 

400 knots on an Embraer ERJ145 aircraft seating 50 in an all-economy layout (see figure 16). 

Origin Destination Departs Arrives Block Time Equipment

CMI IAD 6:15am 9:00am 1:45 ER4

IAD CMI 11:45am 12:30pm 1:45 ER4

CMI IAD 1:00pm 3:45pm 1:45 ER4

IAD CMI 6:15pm 7:00pm 1:45 ER4

FIGURE 16: Proposed Schedule,

Champaign/Urbana – Washington Dulles

MAP 2: Proposed Route,

Champaign/Urbana – Washington Dulles
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 22

The proposed schedule is designed for ease of network integration into the Washington Dulles

hub, ideal business connectivity to East Coast destinations for Champaign/Urbana business 

travelers – allowing for same day business trips to many destinations in the mid-Atlantic and the 

northeast (see figure 16). An aircraft would overnight at Champaign/Urbana, departing early 

enough to hit the first departing bank of the morning at Dulles on United. The schedule has a 

late morning return to Champaign/Urbana, which would turn around in time to hit the 

afternoon/evening international bank at Dulles. The last Dulles - Champaign/Urbana flight of the 

day would leave with connections from most inbound international markets. This schedule 

would achieve two goals: providing the best possible 

connectivity to East Coast destinations, and providing 

excellent connectivity to international destinations, which 

account for 17% of Champaign/Urbana travelers. 

The University of Illinois Willard Airport proposes that a 

relatively small portion of the cost of starting the new 

service be supported up front with federal funds from the 

Small Community Air Service Development Program. Of the total project cost of $680,000, only 

$50,000 will be used for marketing and advertising projects. The federal share of the project will 

be $600,000, all of which will be used for the airline revenue guarantee. The federal revenue 

guarantee share will be matched by $30,000 in local revenue guarantee money and $50,000 in 

local marketing money.

The University of Illinois Willard Airport projects that the bulk of the grant money be available to 

provide insurance in case United/United Express incurs a loss during the first year of operations. 

With demand for eastbound service in the Champaign/Urbana market, and the lack of any 

current eastbound service as of the end of August 2010, the Airport projects the new flights will 

be profitable within one year. 

If, for some unforeseen reason, service is not commenced within one year after Grant award by 

United or a United Express carrier, the University of Illinois Willard Airport proposes to use federal 

grant money awarded under the Small Community Air Service Development Program for 

additional service on another airline. Other options include service to Washington National on 

US Airways Express, service to Philadelphia on US Airways Express, service to Charlotte on US 

Airways Express, service to Atlanta on Delta, service to Detroit on Delta, service to Cleveland on 

United Express, or service to Milwaukee on Frontier. Should none of these options become 

“...providing the best possible 

connectivity to East Coast 

destinations, and providing 

excellent connectivity to 

international destinations...”
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 23

workable, the Airport will continue its discussions with all other carriers that can provide 

additional seats to a hub not currently served.

Route Specific Data: Champaign/Urbana – Washington Dulles

Champaign/Urbana was left without any eastbound connecting service as of August 31, 2010, 

when Delta left the market and ended its service between Champaign/Urbana and Detroit. It is 

imperative that the Airport have eastbound service, to provide the connectivity to the East 

Coast and to international destinations that is necessary for the region’s major businesses.

The University of Illinois Willard Airport proposes United/United Express launch non-stop service 

between Champaign/Urbana and Washington Dulles with 50-seat regional jets. This service 

would provide Champaign/Urbana with its first ever non-stop flight to the Washington, DC area, 

along with one-stop

connections to 69 

cities (see map 3).

The 

Champaign/Urbana

market currently 

produces 87.9

unstimulated origin 

and destination 

passengers per day 

each way to 

destinations that 

naturally connect 

over the United 

Airlines/Star Alliance

Washington Dulles

hub, not counting 

any passengers that 

might use the service from the other central Illinois catchment areas (see figure 17). As of 

calendar year 2010, Champaign/Urbana produced 64,150 total origin and destination 

passengers that would flow over Washington Dulles on United.

MAP 3: One-Stop Connections over Washington Dulles on United,

CY2010; Source: Sixel Consulting Group Hub Builder
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 24

In all, the Champaign/Urbana – Washington Dulles route has the potential to capture 40% of the 

current passengers flying in and out of Champaign/Urbana, itself, without taking into account 

any passenger leakage or any inbound leakage from other central Illinois catchment areas 

which do not have service to the East Coast. At the same time, the United Washington Dulles 

hub could capture 37% of the current revenue generated in the market as of calendar year 

2010 (see figure 17). Currently, United/Star Alliance markets from Champaign/Urbana that flow 

over the Washington Dulles hub generate almost $16.5 million in annual airline revenue, or 

$22,600 in revenue per day each way (RDEW) to and from Champaign/Urbana in 2010.

The central Illinois – Washington/Baltimore market has generated an average of as many as 95 

local passengers per day each way, as recently as 2005 (see figure 18). Since that time, the 

local market has been suppressed by rising fares, which now average $161 each way from all 

central Illinois airports, or $322 roundtrip. In 2010, the central Illinois market, including 

Champaign/Urbana, Bloomington/Normal, Peoria, Springfield, and Decatur generated an 

average of 75 passengers per day each way to and from Washington/Baltimore airports, which 

include Washington National, Washington Dulles, and Baltimore-Washington (see figure 18). 

Total passengers between central Illinois and Washington/Baltimore airports are down 21%, or an 

average of 19.7 passengers per day each way since 2005, while the average fare is up $24 each 

way, or 18%.

FIGURE 17: Available Passengers and Revenue over IAD on United,

CY2010; Source: Sixel Consulting Group Hub Builder

Dulles 

40%

Other 

Hubs 60%

Dulles 

37%

Other 

Hubs 63%

Champaign/Urbana O&D Revenue $44,766,480 100%

Revenue Flowing Over Washington Dulles $16,497,280 37%

Champaign/Urbana O&D Passengers 159,700 100%

Passengers Flowing Over Washington Dulles 64,150 40%
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 25

Fare increases are even more dramatic between Willard Airport, itself, and the 

Washington/Baltimore region. Since 2005, the average one way fare from Willard Airport to 

Washington/Baltimore airports is up $66 each way, or 46%, to an average of $209 each way, or 

$418 roundtrip (see figure 19).

As fares from Champaign/Urbana to Washington/Baltimore have increased, passengers have 

been in significant decline. In 2004, Champaign/Urbana, itself, generated an average of 25 

passengers per day each way to and from Washington/Baltimore (see figure 19). By 2010, that 

number had fallen to just 15 passengers per day each way – a loss of 41% of the passengers 

flying between Willard Airport and Washington/Baltimore airports. These passenger decreases 

can largely be attributed to local fares that were rising much more quickly than the fares from 

airports such as Chicago Midway and Indianapolis.

FIGURE 18: O&D Passengers and Average One Way Fare, CMI+BMI+PIA+SPI+DEC – IAD+DCA+BWI

CY2010; Source: US DOT Table OD1A

58,840

62,850 63,390 66,040

69,080

62,470 61,800

57,010 55,080 54,650

80.6

86.1 86.8

90.5

94.6

85.6 84.7

78.1

75.5 74.9

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

PDEW Total Passengers

$153

$130

$135 $135 $137

$144 $146

$170

$157

$161
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 26

Beyond local Washington/Baltimore traffic, the United hub at Washington Dulles has potential to 

capture large portions of traffic in 69 of Champaign/Urbana’s largest origin and destination 

passenger markets. The Washington Dulles hub is especially well positioned to capture traffic 

traveling to the East Coast and to Europe and the Middle East – including large 

Champaign/Urbana markets such as New York/Newark, which produces 13.1 passengers per 

day each way (PDEW) to and from Champaign/Urbana as of calendar year 2010; Boston, which 

produces 8.8 PDEW; Philadelphia, which produces 3.9 PDEW; Raleigh/Durham, which produces 

3.2 PDEW; London Heathrow, which produces 2.2 PDEW; and Hartford, which produces 1.6 PDEW

as of calendar year 2010 (see figure 20).

It is likely United would stimulate the passenger market significantly in Champaign/Urbana, with 

a projected stimulation rate in its market of, at least, 50%. This stimulation would be seen most on 

new one-stop markets to the east of Champaign/Urbana, that were not served previously by 

Delta over Detroit with one stop. This gives the Airport reason to be optimistic that the service 

can be self-sustaining in as little as 12 months from the start of flights.

FIGURE 19: O&D Passengers and Average One Way Fare, CMI – IAD+DCA+BWI

CY2010; Source: US DOT Table OD1A

16,410 16,590

13,810

18,330 18,030

15,270

13,570

12,360

13,390

10,830

22.5 22.7

18.9

25.1 24.7

20.9

18.6

16.9

18.3

14.8

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

18,000

20,000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

PDEW Total Passengers

$156

$147

$156

$142 $143

$150

$167

$197

$175

$209
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 27

Should it launch service between 

Champaign/Urbana and Washington 

Dulles, United would be adding 

service in markets that have current 

fares well above the Midwest regional 

average of $164 each way (see 

Figure 21). The average one way fare 

to Champaign/Urbana markets that 

United would connect with one-stop 

service over Washington Dulles was 

$257 as of calendar year 2010 – which 

is 57% above the current regional 

average. 

United service to Washington Dulles

would provide much-needed 

competition for Champaign/Urbana catchment area residents, and central Illinois passengers, in 

general, traveling to the market’s top destinations in the east and overseas, where fares top the 

regional average. Examples include

New York/Newark, where the average 

one way fare was $178 as of calendar 

year 2010; Philadelphia, where the

average one way fare was $182; 

Raleigh/Durham, where the average one 

way fare was also $182; Hartford, where 

the average one way fare was $223; and 

London Heathrow, where the average 

one way fare was $533 as of calendar 

year 2010. The best chance at fare relief 

in markets to the east of 

Champaign/Urbana is for an airline to 

offer new service to a new hub along the 

east coast.

FIGURE 20: Top 20 O&D Passenger Markets over IAD on United,

CY2010; Source: Sixel Consulting Group Hub Builder

FIGURE 21: Average Fares at Top O&D Markets Over IAD on United,

CY2010; Source: Sixel Consulting Group Hub Builder

9,580

6,980

6,400

4,940

4,440

2,870

2,710

2,360

1,630

1,570

1,180

1,180

1,110

1,030

980

840

780

780

750

730

13.1

9.6

8.8

6.8

6.1

3.9

3.7

3.2

2.2

2.2

1.6

1.6

1.5

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.0

1.0

0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 8,000 9,000 10,000

New York/Newark

San Francisco Bay Area

Boston

Los Angeles Basin

Seattle/Tacoma

Philadelphia

San Diego

Raleigh/Durham

Orlando

London Heathrow

Hartford

Portland, OR

South Florida

Beijing

Richmond

Frankfurt

Tokyo Narita

Tampa

Cancun

Charlotte

Annual Passengers 

PDEW

$178

$215

$165

$230

$243

$182

$226

$182

$188

$533

$223

$333

$197

$819

$167

$471

$1,205

$180

$225

$225

$0 $100 $200 $300 $400 $500 $600 $700

New York/Newark

San Francisco Bay Area

Boston

Los Angeles Basin

Seattle/Tacoma

Philadelphia

San Diego

Raleigh/Durham

Orlando

London Heathrow

Hartford

Portland, OR

South Florida

Beijing

Richmond

Frankfurt

Tokyo Narita

Tampa

Cancun

Charlotte

Average Over IAD: $257

Beijing Not to Scale

Tokyo Narita Not to Scale
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 28

The University of Illinois Willard Airport believes there is sufficient passenger traffic and revenue 

that would flow over United’s Washington Dulles hub to make the service profitable. United 

would not be forced to offer rock-bottom fares in Champaign/Urbana to be competitive – even 

fares slightly higher than those found in other central Illinois markets would be considered low for 

local Champaign/Urbana travelers. Moreover, this would be the only non-stop service from a 

central Illinois airport to the East Coast, which should bolster the service through inbound 

leakage from other central Illinois catchment areas. The University of Illinois Willard Airport 

believes in this new market, and must develop a risk mitigation package to ensure United can 

enter the market without the fear of an operating loss during the start-up phase of new service.
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 29

IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE

The proposed implementation timeline for the project assumes the Department of Transportation

will award Small Community Grant Funding in September 2011. Once the award is announced, 

the University of Illinois Willard Airport will conduct airline meeting(s) to secure United Express 

service. Based on airline planning lead times and the need for advance bookings, we assume 

the service would not be able to begin until at least June of 2012.

The first three milestones on the Airport's timeline are to execute the grant agreement with the 

Department of Transportation, meet with United and/or United Express carriers to negotiate for 

service, and sign the minimum revenue guarantee agreement with the appropriate airline 

partner. Once service is announced and schedules are published, the Airport would begin 

marketing the new route and working with the new carrier to monitor advance bookings. The 

Airport will continue its marketing program and continue to work with the new carrier to monitor 

the route once service begins. The Airport would submit grant status reports on a quarterly basis 

to the Department throughout the proposed two year term of the minimum revenue guarantee.

While the estimated dates are targets, it is possible service could be secured and launched on a 

more aggressive timeline once Grant funding is awarded. It is also possible that new service 

could slip to 2013 should an airline require additional risk mitigation, beyond that included in this 

proposal, from the community.

Activity/Project Milestone Estimated Date

SCASD Grant Award Announcement September 2011

Executive Grant Agreement with DOT October 2011

Meet With Prospective Airlines Oct/Nov 2011

Negotiate Minimum Revenue Guarantee (MRG) With Airline Jan - Mar 2012

Announce Service March 2012

Publish Schedule March 2012

Begin Marketing of New Route March 2012

Monitor Advance Bookings March - June 2012

Service Launch June 2012

MRG Available for Service June 2012 - October 2014

Monitor Route Performance June 2012 - October 2014

Submit Grant Status Reports to DOT Quarterly Q4 2011 - Q4 2014

Close Grant October 2014
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 30

ALTERNATE PLAN

If, for some unforeseen reason, service is not commenced within one year after Grant award by 

United or a United Express carrier, the University of Illinois Willard Airport proposes to use federal 

grant money awarded under the Small Community Air Service Development Program for 

additional service on another airline. Other options include service to Washington National on 

US Airways Express, service to Philadelphia on US Airways Express, service to Charlotte on US 

Airways Express, service to Atlanta on Delta, service to Detroit on Delta, service to Cleveland on 

United Express, or service to Milwaukee on Frontier. Should none of these options become 

workable, the Airport will continue its discussions with all other carriers that can provide 

additional seats to a hub not currently served.
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 31

PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP

The Cities of Champaign and Urbana, the University of Illinois, and Willard Airport consistently 

work together on air service development projects. Other local partners will be working with the 

Airport to promote and market the new service. The Airport will manage and coordinate the 

marketing program.

The Airport has also developed an air service development partnership program, reaching out 

to businesses and community leaders. Those partners are listed below, including their role in the 

effort to retain current air service and recruit additional air service.

Champaign County Economic Development Corporation

The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation is a public-private partnership 

dedicated to fostering a cooperative, county-wide approach to economic development. The 

organization coordinates with a number of other key organizations in the area to promote an 

environment in which business thrives.

Champaign County Alliance

The Champaign County Alliance is a service organization for the Champaign County Chamber 

of Commerce, the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the 

Champaign County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). The Alliance is made up of a board 

of directors with representation from the Chamber, the EDC and the CVB, plus the top investors 

(collectively) in the three organizations. These three top investors are the cities of Champaign 

and Urbana and the University of Illinois. 
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 32

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign (U of I, UIUC, or simply Illinois) is a public research 

university located in Urbana and Champaign. 2009 enrollment was 31,209 undergraduate and 

10,701 graduate students. UIUC is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious campus in the 

University of Illinois system. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the second oldest public 

university in the state, second to Illinois State University. The university has 17 colleges and 

instructional units offering more than 150 programs of study. Additionally, the university operates 

an extension that serves 2.7 million registrants per year around the state of Illinois and beyond. 
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 33

FUNDING PLAN

Marketing and Advertising

The University of Illinois Willard Airport proposes to spend at least $50,000 in funds on marketing 

and advertising promotions in support of new service introductions. The goal is to increase 

ridership and usage of new service through targeted regional campaigns. The marketing potion 

of this project will come from local cash sources.

Revenue Guarantee

The University of Illinois Willard Airport proposes to make available at least $630,000 in funds for a 

revenue guarantee, to cover start-up losses that may occur during the first twelve months of 

service on the new route. Subject to negotiation, payments will be made to the airline 

operating the new route quarterly when income derived from passengers and cargo is less than 

the agreed expenses on the route. Revenue generated that exceeds expenses will be carried 

forward and tapped before any grant funds are used.

In-Kind Services

The following organizations will help promote the new service through their various membership 

groups. There is no estimated value to these services.

• University of Illinois Willard Airport 

• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Champaign County Economic Development Corporation

• Champaign County Alliance

• University of Illinois Chancellor’s Office Community Projects Fund

• City of Champaign

• City of Urbana
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 34

Fee Waivers

The Airport will allocate $345,007 in facility fee waivers to the new airline in the first 12 months of 

service. These fee waivers will include $34,135 in landing fee abatements; $212,736 in common 

use terminal rent waivers; $78,792 in rent waivers for the new airline’s dedicated space in the 

terminal; and $19,344 in free use of a jetbridge for the new carrier.

Start-Up Cost Offsets

The Airport proposes to use a small portion of the funding provided under this proposal to pay for 

start-up costs in support of new service introductions. Money will be reimbursed to the new 

carrier, from the revenue guarantee portion of this proposal, as invoices are submitted detailing 

the work performed to offset the acquisition of necessary equipment to begin service (items 

include carts, tugs, power units, computer equipment, cabling, software, etc.).

Additional Costs

As part of this program, the University of Illinois Willard Airport understands that additional 

expenses will be incurred, such as monitoring the results of the program and reporting those 

results back to the US DOT. In addition, the Airport expects to incur some expenses in the 

recruitment of the new airline to fly the new route. The Airport will not use DOT funding in these 

efforts.
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 35

PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND FINANCIAL CONTROLS

The success of new service in Champaign/Urbana will be based on three measurable variables: 

the increase in available seats in the market, the number of enplanements on the route, and the 

average airfares charged in the affected city pairs. The first two measurements will include a 

monthly comparison, once the program begins, to past numbers. The second measurement will 

be derived from US DOT OD1A reports.

As the sponsor, the University of Illinois Willard Airport will be the responsible party for all fiscal 

matters and DOT reporting requirements. As a public entity the DOT can be assured that proper 

financial controls are in place to guarantee that the DOT’s grant will be used in accordance 

with any subsequent agreement. The University of Illinois Willard Airport understands that the 

grant is a reimbursable grant, meaning the Airport is responsible for program expenditures and 

will submit invoices to the DOT for reimbursement, based on a percentage of the total grant 

request.

The Airport has developed this proposal as a one-time grant. The advertising and marketing 

program will commence a few months before service starts and last for at least twelve months. 

The revenue guarantee program will also be in place for twelve months, with two additional 

twelve-month periods available for negotiation. It is projected that the service on the new route 

will be financially self-sustaining within the second twelve months of service. 
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 36

LEGAL SPONSOR

As the owner and operator of Willard Airport, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is the 

legal sponsor responsible for administering the program. The University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign is a government entity.

University of Illinois Office of Capital Programs and Real Estate Services

807 South Wright Street, Suite 340, MC-309

Champaign, Illinois 61820

Bruce K. Walden, Director

Phone: 217-244-8496

Fax: 217-244-8802

bwalden@uillinois.edu
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 37

AVAILABILITY OF ALTERNATE AIRPORTS

The cities of Champaign and Urbana, along with the counties of Champaign, Vermilion, and 

Piatt, are all served by the University of Illinois Willard Airport, located directly off I-57 in Savoy. 

The University of Illinois Willard Airport operates as the air travel access point for all of central 

Illinois, yet due to its high fares and limited service, many who live in the catchment area access 

air service at other airports in the region.

Among the other airports with air service 

are Decatur, which has only Essential Air 

Service (EAS) on 9-seat aircraft, which is 

53 miles from Champaign/Urbana (see 

map 4); Bloomington/Normal, which is 

55 miles away from 

Champaign/Urbana; Springfield, which 

is 76 miles away from 

Champaign/Urbana; Indianapolis, 

which is 132 miles away from 

Champaign/Urbana; Chicago Midway, 

which is 124 miles away from 

Champaign/Urbana; and Chicago 

O’Hare, which is 158 miles away from 

Champaign/Urbana.

MAP 4: Alternate Airports Near

the University of Illinois Willard Airport
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 38

AIRPORT INFORMATION

Willard Airport is one of only a handful of commercial airports in the country owned and 

operated by an educational institution. Willard Airport, often referred to by its FAA designation 

"CMI," was named for former University of Illinois president Arthur Cutts Willard. 

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign established its nationally 

recognized Institute of Aviation at Willard Airport in 1946. The University 

takes full advantage of training and research opportunities made 

possible by the location of the Institute on the grounds of Willard Airport. 

Willard Airport covers 1,799 acres and has four runways of varying 

lengths: 3,817 ft. (asphalt), 5,299 ft. (concrete), 6,500 ft. (concrete) and 

8,100 ft. (concrete). The terminal has five gates. The passenger terminal 

offers a cafe, internet access throughout the terminal, an ATM machine 

and a conference room.

Willard Airport is also home to the private jet service 'FlightStar'. Flightstar’s line operations 

encompass meeting, marshalling, and parking of transient and locally based aircraft, all fueling 

operations at the airport, towing and hangaring in Flightstar’s 6 hangars as well as the University 

of Illinois’ Institute of Aviation’s hangars, baggage handling, deicing and ground handling. 

Flightstar currently provides maintenance services for American Eagle. That airline overnights 

four aircraft at Willard Airport each night for maintenance.
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 39

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Comprised of two distinct cities, Champaign and Urbana, as well as several smaller cities and 

outlying areas, Champaign County offers its residents a unique quality of life. Home to one of 

the nation’s largest universities, inhabitants can make use of all of the perks of living in a college 

town; academics, athletics, fine dining, nightlife and the arts. And just steps away lies the calm, 

bucolic respite of outlying communities, which are home to Farmers’ Markets, antique shops and 

outdoor activities.

Champaign County is home to 192,561 people. Since 2000, it has had a population growth of 

7.19%. The median home cost in Champaign County is $118,800. Compared to the rest of the 

country, Champaign County enjoys a lower-than-average cost of living at 89.40 (national 

average: 100). The median age is 29.5 (permanent residents only). 

Future job growth over the next ten years in Champaign County is predicted to be 22.96%. The 

income per capita is $23,875, which includes all adults and children. The median household 

income is $44,401.

Champaign/Urbana Economic Overview

Champaign County enjoys the support of local leadership in developing new business 

prospects, as well as tourism opportunities. The Champaign County Economic Development 

Corporation is a public-private partnership dedicated to fostering a cooperative, county-wide 

approach to economic development. The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce is an 

association of over 1,100 area businesses (representing over 60,000 employees) that have joined 

together to advance the economic health of Champaign County and helps to shape the 

business climate in Champaign County. The Champaign County Convention and Visitors 

Bureau provides guidance, contacts and assistance to ensure successful events. Finally, the Illini 

Entrepreneurship Center, provided by the Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership at the 

University of Illinois, partners with respected business development organizations and 

educational institutions that work with clients who have the vision and potential to become a 

high-growth enterprise.
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 40

Firm Employees

University of Illinois 10,500

Carle Clinic Association 2,919

Carle Foundation Hospital 2,750

Kraft Foods, Inc. 1,325

Provena Covenant Med. Center 1,200

Parkland Community College 1,200

Wal-Mart 1,050

Champaign County 887

Plastipak Packaging 800

Christie Clinic Association 740

Hobbico 700

Jeld-Wen 675

Amdocs 620

Devonshire Group 590

Meijer Stores 584

Herff Jones Cap & Gown 550

Busey Bank 544

The University of Illinois’ Research Park

The Research Park at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) provides an 

environment where technology-based businesses can work with the research faculty and 

students at UIUC to take advantage of opportunities for collaborative research and easy access 

to University labs, equipment, and services. Located on campus, the Research Park is already 

home to more than 70 companies and growing, employing over 1,400 people in hightechnology careers. At any given time over 400 UIUC student interns with leading-edge 

technical skills are working in these companies gaining valuable work experience while making 

real contributions to internal corporate R&D and product development programs. While some 

of these companies do not have the number of employees to rank in the top 10 yet, their 

contributions to this emerging research park and the local community is exciting nonetheless.

FIGURE 22: Top Employers in Champaign County

2011; Source: Champaign County Economic Development Corporation
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 41

Illumia Corporation is a new safety and risk consulting business that provides Safety Culture 

measurement services. The team’s work in this area began in the mid 1990s and grew with the 

assistance of grants to the University of Illinois from the Federal Aviation Administration and the 

Air Force Office of Scientific Research, to develop tools to measure the culture of safety and risk 

and apply them in distributed environments. Initial clients are commercial aviation operators. 

Illumia will develop an online delivery system to 

provide survey services.

Two companies new to the research park are 

Aptimmune and Dioxide Materials. The former is a 

company known for developing the Porcine 

Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) 

vaccine for swine based on a proprietary cell line 

known as ZMAC. This economically important 

pandemic disease causes reproductive failure in 

breeding stock and respiratory tract illness in young 

pigs. The latter is a new startup developing 

technology for the conversion of CO2 into fuels and 

chemicals via artificial photosynthesis from Professor 

Rich Masel's research labs.

Already, the UI Research Park is home to seven Fortune 

500 companies: Caterpillar, State Farm, Deere & Co., Archer-Daniels-Midland, Science 

Applications International Corp., Yahoo and Qualcomm. Other companies in the research park 

include PrintEco, which makes plug-ins for MS office, Internet Explorer, Outlook and Firefox; and 

EnvirGen, Inc., which is a world leader of research and development in 

nutraceutical/pharmaceutical products.

FIGURE 23: Diagram of University of Illinois

Research Park
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 42

Select Company Profiles

Carle Foundation Hospital

Officially integrated into one organization in April 2010, the 

Carle Foundation includes Carle Foundation Hospital and 

related health care services, Carle Foundation Physician 

Services, Carle Physician Group (formerly Carle Clinic) and Health Alliance Medical Plans. For 

more than 20 years, Carle has advanced medicine by offering patients access to treatment 

options known as clinical trials. These research initiatives offer new insight into how to combat a 

disease, demonstrate new ways of thinking about treatment and possible cures. With 5,669 

employees, the travel requirements of this internationally known medical foundation require 

convenience and efficiency.

Kraft Foods

Kraft, which is based in Northfield, IL, has a huge presence in 

Illinois, with nine plants that employ 8,000 people. Kraft 

operates 175 plants worldwide. The Champaign plant makes 

a variety of the company's most popular food items and is 

one of the newest facilities in the company. The Champaign factory, which opened in 1963, is 

one of the largest food-processing plants in the world. It covers 130 acres and has an assessed 

valuation of nearly $22 million, meaning it has a huge impact on the local economy of 

Champaign County.

Hobbico

Hobbico is the largest retail and wholesale distributor of radio-control 

hobby products in the world and one of the most progressive 

companies in the Champaign/Urbana area. Hobbico consists of 4 

basic divisions and employs more than 600 people at the central 

Illinois headquarters. Hobbico is a stable, financially strong company 

that has grown tremendously in sales as well as profitability.
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 43

JELD-WEN

JELD-WEN is a nationwide, comprehensive source for reliable 

wood, vinyl and aluminum windows and patio doors; wood and 

molded wood fiber interior doors; wood, steel, fiberglass exterior doors; and garage doors. 

Headquartered in Klamath Falls, OR, Jeld-Wen has manufacturing, sales and distribution 

locations throughout the country and the world.

Higher Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Life in Champaign/Urbana is centered around the University of Illinois. It is the state’s classic land 

grant university, dedicated to its traditional excellence in education, research, and public 

engagement, and driven to innovate in each of these missions.

More than 2,000 Urbana-Champaign faculty members lead more than 40,000 undergraduate, 

graduate and professional students in a process of discovery and learning in 16 colleges and 

schools and more than 80 research centers 

and labs. The Urbana campus faculty and 

alumni are internationally renowned. Many 

faculty members have been elected to 

membership in the National Academy of 

Sciences, the National Academy of 

Engineering, and the American Academy 

of Arts and Sciences.

Students and scholars find the University an 

ideal place to conduct research. The 

Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology is a model for interdisciplinary 

research, where eighteen research groups from sixteen University departments work within and 

across three broadly defined themes: biological intelligence, human-computer intelligent 

interaction, and molecular and electronic nanostructures. The University is also home to the 

National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA).

With a faculty team so engaged in regional, national and international research, the need for 

enhanced air service is great. As part of the Division 1, Big Ten athletic program, the travel 
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 44

requirements of so many teams could be made more efficient with a wider range of travel 

options. And with such an enormous student body, expanded air service would serve both 

student travels, as well as the travels of visiting friends and family. 

Parkland Community College

Parkland College is a fully accredited, public community 

college established to serve the needs of District 505, the third 

largest community college district in Illinois. Parkland has a 

current enrollment of nearly 12,000 students and employs approximately 1,200 faculty and staff. 

The college has become a center for educational opportunity and community enrichment in 

east central Illinois and has earned a national reputation for its excellent academic standards, 

innovative programs, and quality instruction.

Built on 255 acres of landscaped grounds in Champaign, Illinois, Parkland is centrally located 

and accessible to all 54 communities in the district. The beautiful, quiet campus is situated near 

the intersection of interstate highways 57, 72, and 74, and is just a seven- to ten-minute drive 

from the University of Illinois campus.

Parkland’s facilities include more than 85 classrooms, 60 specialized labs, a library collection of 

over 120,000 volumes, an FM radio station, an educational TV station, an experimental 

agricultural land laboratory, an art gallery, and excellent physical education and recreation 

facilities, including a fitness center. The cultural center contains a 320-seat performing arts 

theater and a 50-foot dome planetarium, the second largest in Illinois. Parkland also has a child 

development center to serve the needs of faculty, staff, students, and families in the community.
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 45

Tourism in Champaign County

Champaign County has more diverse attractions to draw visitors than most counties of 

comparable size can claim. Much of the area’s attractions center around the University of 

Illinois, which provides amenities such as a world-class art museum, theater programs and 

Division I, and Big Ten Athletics. Beyond the University, Champaign County offers the visitor fine 

dining, museums and shopping.

Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum

The Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum is a premier showcase of Illinois Aviation and the 77 

year history of Chanute Air Force Base. The museum encompasses over 126,000 sq. ft. of display 

space, boasting the largest aerospace museum in Illinois. Special memorial items are dedicated 

in honor of pioneer aviators, Illinois and Chanute AFB commanders and heroes. A gift show, 

visitors reception suite, library, Children's Discover Room, snack bar, and helpful volunteers await 

visitor's arrival.

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

What Lincoln Center is to New York and Kennedy Center is to Washington D.C., Krannert Center 

is to the Midwest - a magnificent showcase for the performing arts. Krannert Center differs from 

its East Coast counterparts in that it is first and foremost a place for education. A professional 

laboratory for the University dance, theatre, opera, and music departments, the Center also 

hosts internationally famous artists.

Orpheum Children's Science Museum

The Orpheum Children's Science Museum, located in the 1914 Orpheum Theatre, is one of the 

finest buildings in downstate Illinois. Children of all ages are given the opportunity to learn 

science at their own pace in an informal setting.

Spurlock Museum

The Spurlock Museum celebrates the people of the world with featured galleries of Africa, 

Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania, the 

Americans, and the Ancient Mediterranean. Special facilities include a focus gallery for 

temporary exhibits, learning center, auditorium, and educational resource center. 
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 46

Early American Museum

The Early American Museum has an extensive collection interpreting 19th and early 20th century 

life in East-Central Illinois. Two floors of exhibits present architecture, trades and occupations, 

decorative arts, and childhood and domestic life of the time. The Discovery Room offers handson opportunities for children to interact and learn about the residents of the Grand Prairie.

Educational programs are offered for all ages throughout the year. 

William M. Staerkel Planetarium

The second largest planetarium in Illinois is part of Parkland College's Cultural Center. The 

planetarium uses a Zeiss Star Projector to project 7,600 visible stars on the 50-ft dome. State of 

the art audio-visual equipment and special effects help visitors learn about the stars and planets 

and experience the perspective of the larger universe. In addition to regular features, the 

planetarium also offers children's shows, rock-n-roll light shows, and special seasonal 

presentations. 

Wandell Sculpture Garden

The Wandell Sculpture Garden was established in honor of Willett and Celia Wandell in 1998. This 

unique, free outdoor sculpture garden sits among 22-acres of re-created Illinois tall grass prairie 

in a 130-acre community park. While walking the path, one can encounter bikers, joggers, and 

other sculpture lovers, as the park serves both recreational and educational purposes. Works 

from local artists who have ties with the University of Illinois grace the garden.
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 47

COMPARISON TO OTHER COMMUNITIES IN REGION

Itinerary Average

Airport CY 2008 CY 2009 CY 2010 Mileage Yield 08-10 09-10

1 Sault Sainte Marie, MI $292.14 $267.31 $293.56 1,269 23.14¢ 0.2% 9.8% 

2 La Crosse, WI $289.04 $274.27 $287.71 1,157 24.87¢ -0.2% 4.9% 

3 Pellston, MI $308.17 $259.79 $283.18 1,148 24.66¢ -4.1% 9.0% 

4 Alpena, MI $314.41 $285.15 $276.13 1,178 23.45¢ -6.3% -3.2% 

5 Kalamazoo, MI $241.88 $231.05 $265.98 1,032 25.77¢ 4.9% 15.1% 

6 Traverse City, MI $255.74 $224.77 $251.73 1,148 21.92¢ -0.8% 12.0% 

7 Lansing, MI $194.21 $209.71 $232.00 990 23.43¢ 9.3% 10.6% 

8 Midland/Saginaw , MI $224.03 $204.24 $230.16 1,141 20.17¢ 1.4% 12.7% 

9 Champaign, IL $220.14 $202.14 $226.21 1,144 19.78¢ 1.4% 11.9% 

10 Evansville, IN $231.64 $225.00 $224.16 1,044 21.48¢ -1.6% -0.4% 

11 Rhinelander, WI $238.11 $193.84 $217.01 1,229 17.66¢ -4.5% 12.0% 

12 Marquette, MI $234.18 $194.77 $208.62 1,216 17.15¢ -5.6% 7.1% 

13 Iron Mountain, MI $213.80 $200.86 $205.73 1,260 16.33¢ -1.9% 2.4% 

14 Cincinnati, OH $249.76 $176.10 $200.87 965 20.81¢ -10.3% 14.1% 

15 Escanaba, MI $222.07 $195.54 $197.89 1,245 15.89¢ -5.6% 1.2% 

16 Hancock, MI $250.38 $222.44 $191.99 1,245 15.42¢ -12.4% -13.7% 

17 Fort Wayne, IN $206.89 $175.94 $190.10 1,080 17.60¢ -4.1% 8.0% 

18 Paducah, KY $235.32 $208.37 $184.61 1,179 15.66¢ -11.4% -11.4% 

19 Lexington, KY $211.26 $186.12 $184.42 1,000 18.45¢ -6.6% -0.9% 

20 Springfield, IL $197.98 $180.64 $183.56 1,115 16.46¢ -3.7% 1.6% 

21 Cleveland, OH $164.98 $149.54 $181.62 1,010 17.99¢ 4.9% 21.5% 

22 Green Bay, WI $205.48 $173.21 $175.59 1,073 16.36¢ -7.6% 1.4% 

23 Wausau, WI $216.24 $174.94 $175.26 1,184 14.80¢ -10.0% 0.2% 

24 Chicago O'Hare, IL $175.59 $157.37 $175.22 1,021 17.17¢ -0.1% 11.3% 

25 Grand Rapids, MI $212.33 $185.11 $174.44 1,126 15.49¢ -9.4% -5.8% 

26 Louisville, KY $164.97 $153.74 $174.17 962 18.10¢ 2.8% 13.3% 

27 Appleton, WI $217.14 $168.16 $174.17 1,080 16.13¢ -10.4% 3.6% 

28 Madison, WI $207.18 $163.68 $173.72 1,073 16.19¢ -8.4% 6.1% 

29 Muskegon, MI $216.95 $209.94 $172.52 1,193 14.46¢ -10.8% -17.8% 

30 Detroit, MI $162.95 $151.66 $171.94 1,065 16.15¢ 2.7% 13.4% 

31 South Bend, IN $173.08 $156.41 $171.63 1,071 16.02¢ -0.4% 9.7% 

32 Peoria, IL $176.89 $156.21 $167.30 1,168 14.32¢ -2.7% 7.1% 

33 Moline, IL $169.68 $151.25 $166.09 1,072 15.50¢ -1.1% 9.8% 

34 Eau Claire, WI $252.15 $217.36 $165.05 1,004 16.44¢ -19.1% -24.1% 

35 Toledo, OH $174.82 $150.20 $161.86 932 17.36¢ -3.8% 7.8% 

36 Dayton, OH $160.17 $138.31 $154.97 1,023 15.15¢ -1.6% 12.0% 

37 Indianapolis, IN $153.48 $137.72 $153.82 1,033 14.89¢ 0.1% 11.7% 

38 Columbus, OH $156.10 $135.03 $151.65 979 15.49¢ -1.4% 12.3% 

39 Bloomington/Normal, IL $149.92 $136.07 $145.57 1,012 14.38¢ -1.5% 7.0% 

40 Chicago Midw ay, IL $131.55 $120.65 $136.90 918 14.91¢ 2.0% 13.5% 

41 Flint, MI $146.69 $127.26 $136.73 1,064 12.85¢ -3.5% 7.4% 

42 Akron/Canton, OH $137.76 $122.60 $136.27 964 14.13¢ -0.5% 11.2% 

43 Milw aukee, WI $160.49 $126.02 $125.53 1,021 12.30¢ -11.6% -0.4% 

44 Marion, IL $129.05 $122.40 $124.75 568 21.97¢ -1.7% 1.9% 

45 Quincy, IL $115.01 $131.77 $115.22 491 23.46¢ 0.1% -12.6% 

46 Rockford, IL $112.15 $93.00 $102.02 1,225 8.33¢ -4.6% 9.7% 

47 Manistee, MI $106.19 $98.51 $93.77 343 27.34¢ -6.0% -4.8% 

48 Decatur, IL $132.56 $121.18 $77.26 137 56.31¢ -23.7% -36.2% 

49 Youngstow n, OH $76.22 $60.27 $62.09 795 7.81¢ -9.7% 3.0% 

50 Ow ensboro, KY $0.00 $58.08 $61.00 687 8.88¢ 100.0% 5.0% 

Average Regional Fare $168.53 $148.48 $164.40 1,015 16.20¢ -1.2% 10.7% 

Avg. Ann. Change

Rank

FIGURE 24: Top 50 Great Lakes Region Airports, Domestic One Way Fares, 2010
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 48

Outbound Percent of

Airport CY 2008 CY 2009 CY 2010 Seats / Day CY 2010 08-10 09-10

1 Chicago O'Hare, IL 36,826,386 34,272,605 34,366,320 94,154 33.0% -3.4% 0.3% 

2 Detroit, MI 19,546,458 18,016,325 18,159,704 49,753 17.5% -3.6% 0.8% 

3 Chicago Midw ay, IL 12,250,952 11,798,088 11,436,573 31,333 11.0% -3.4% -3.1% 

4 Milw aukee, WI 5,305,158 5,241,269 6,237,449 17,089 6.0% 8.4% 19.0% 

5 Cleveland, OH 7,230,292 6,300,505 5,881,025 16,112 5.7% -9.8% -6.7% 

6 Cincinnati, OH 8,635,524 6,556,243 4,925,786 13,495 4.7% -24.5% -24.9% 

7 Indianapolis, IN 5,527,994 4,965,096 4,747,052 13,006 4.6% -7.3% -4.4% 

8 Columbus, OH 4,638,055 4,222,455 4,023,676 11,024 3.9% -6.9% -4.7% 

9 Louisville, KY 2,541,933 2,248,355 2,263,085 6,200 2.2% -5.6% 0.7% 

10 Dayton, OH 1,891,431 1,677,199 1,634,305 4,478 1.6% -7.0% -2.6% 

11 Grand Rapids, MI 1,272,905 1,196,928 1,410,604 3,865 1.4% 5.3% 17.9% 

12 Akron/Canton, OH 941,551 928,018 956,546 2,621 0.9% 0.8% 3.1% 

13 Madison, WI 1,039,406 962,764 937,044 2,567 0.9% -5.1% -2.7% 

14 Lexington, KY 723,682 642,952 719,084 1,970 0.7% -0.3% 11.8% 

15 Flint, MI 756,436 648,143 627,218 1,718 0.6% -8.9% -3.2% 

16 Moline, IL 652,655 649,529 625,528 1,714 0.6% -2.1% -3.7% 

17 Green Bay, WI 623,780 508,069 507,426 1,390 0.5% -9.8% -0.1% 

18 South Bend, IN 493,172 432,325 416,800 1,142 0.4% -8.1% -3.6% 

19 Appleton, WI 386,694 365,874 373,844 1,024 0.4% -1.7% 2.2% 

20 Bloomington/Normal, IL 357,620 351,686 367,407 1,007 0.4% 1.4% 4.5% 

21 Fort Wayne, IN 449,642 384,118 344,416 944 0.3% -12.5% -10.3% 

22 Peoria, IL 387,608 355,475 332,132 910 0.3% -7.4% -6.6% 

23 Traverse City, MI 271,890 272,382 256,042 701 0.2% -3.0% -6.0% 

24 Evansville, IN 328,942 277,143 240,477 659 0.2% -14.5% -13.2% 

25 Wausau, WI 236,664 239,477 238,940 655 0.2% 0.5% -0.2% 

26 Midland/Saginaw , MI 285,096 255,015 238,111 652 0.2% -8.6% -6.6% 

27 Kalamazoo, MI 284,307 223,941 234,338 642 0.2% -9.2% 4.6% 

28 Lansing, MI 316,230 221,305 211,725 580 0.2% -18.2% -4.3% 

29 La Crosse, WI 193,351 185,844 190,968 523 0.2% -0.6% 2.8% 

30 Toledo, OH 213,139 162,560 146,331 401 0.1% -17.1% -10.0% 

31 Champaign, IL 158,915 141,080 128,930 353 0.1% -9.9% -8.6% 

32 Springfield, IL 111,939 104,135 109,007 299 0.1% -1.3% 4.7% 

33 Marquette, MI 106,367 93,815 103,436 283 0.1% -1.4% 10.3% 

34 Rockford, IL 132,307 131,608 97,448 267 0.1% -14.2% -26.0% 

35 Rhinelander, WI 68,827 66,213 55,470 152 0.1% -10.2% -16.2% 

36 Eau Claire, WI 67,420 57,868 53,828 147 0.1% -10.6% -7.0% 

37 Escanaba, MI 25,565 36,210 40,936 112 0.0% 26.5% 13.1% 

38 Pellston, MI 46,160 42,218 39,777 109 0.0% -7.2% -5.8% 

39 Iron Mountain, MI 24,863 35,666 35,663 98 0.0% 19.8% 0.0% 

40 Muskegon, MI 61,106 31,450 35,257 97 0.0% -24.0% 12.1% 

41 Hancock, MI 40,600 41,118 35,241 97 0.0% -6.8% -14.3% 

42 Youngstow n, OH 26,394 23,215 34,989 96 0.0% 15.1% 50.7% 

43 Paducah, KY 36,342 31,148 34,366 94 0.0% -2.8% 10.3% 

44 Alpena, MI 34,986 35,632 27,586 76 0.0% -11.2% -22.6% 

45 Ow ensboro, KY 207 14,106 24,837 68 0.0% 995.4% 76.1% 

46 Sault Sainte Marie, MI 23,596 24,310 24,412 67 0.0% 1.7% 0.4% 

47 Marion, IL 19,126 18,730 18,459 51 0.0% -1.8% -1.4% 

48 Quincy, IL 18,705 16,657 16,638 46 0.0% -5.7% -0.1% 

49 Detroit Willow Run, MI 17,682 10,455 15,207 42 0.0% -7.3% 45.5% 

50 Decatur, IL 14,782 11,249 13,243 36 0.0% -5.3% 17.7% 

Total of Above 115,644,842 105,528,571 103,994,686 284,917 99.9% -5.2% -1.5% 

Total Seats Available 115,761,559 105,600,682 104,051,551 285,073 100.0% -5.2% -1.5% 

Rank

Avg. Ann. Change

FIGURE 25: Top 50 Great Lakes Region Airports, Domestic Seats Available, 2010
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 49

\\\

Itinerary Average

Airport CY 2008 CY 2009 CY 2010 Mileage Fare 08-10 09-10

1 Decatur, IL 26.34¢ 27.27¢ 56.31¢ 137 $77.26 46.2% 106.5% 

2 Manistee, MI 23.14¢ 22.84¢ 27.34¢ 343 $93.77 8.7% 19.7% 

3 Kalamazoo, MI 23.04¢ 22.66¢ 25.77¢ 1,032 $265.98 5.8% 13.7% 

4 La Crosse, WI 24.09¢ 23.83¢ 24.87¢ 1,157 $287.71 1.6% 4.4% 

5 Pellston, MI 27.97¢ 22.35¢ 24.66¢ 1,148 $283.18 -6.1% 10.3% 

6 Quincy, IL 31.43¢ 31.25¢ 23.46¢ 491 $115.22 -13.6% -24.9% 

7 Alpena, MI 28.96¢ 23.90¢ 23.45¢ 1,178 $276.13 -10.0% -1.9% 

8 Lansing, MI 19.41¢ 20.77¢ 23.43¢ 990 $232.00 9.9% 12.8% 

9 Sault Sainte Marie, MI 23.02¢ 20.69¢ 23.14¢ 1,269 $293.56 0.3% 11.8% 

10 Marion, IL 28.62¢ 30.16¢ 21.97¢ 568 $124.75 -12.4% -27.2% 

11 Traverse City, MI 22.65¢ 19.91¢ 21.92¢ 1,148 $251.73 -1.6% 10.1% 

12 Evansville, IN 23.35¢ 22.26¢ 21.48¢ 1,044 $224.16 -4.1% -3.5% 

13 Cincinnati, OH 28.07¢ 19.03¢ 20.81¢ 965 $200.87 -13.9% 9.4% 

14 Midland/Saginaw , MI 20.81¢ 18.17¢ 20.17¢ 1,141 $230.16 -1.5% 11.0% 

15 Champaign, IL 20.32¢ 18.24¢ 19.78¢ 1,144 $226.21 -1.3% 8.4% 

16 Lexington, KY 21.88¢ 18.86¢ 18.45¢ 1,000 $184.42 -8.2% -2.2% 

17 Louisville, KY 17.61¢ 16.17¢ 18.10¢ 962 $174.17 1.4% 11.9% 

18 Cleveland, OH 17.83¢ 16.13¢ 17.99¢ 1,010 $181.62 0.4% 11.5% 

19 Rhinelander, WI 19.39¢ 15.17¢ 17.66¢ 1,229 $217.01 -4.6% 16.4% 

20 Fort Wayne, IN 19.32¢ 16.59¢ 17.60¢ 1,080 $190.10 -4.6% 6.1% 

21 Toledo, OH 19.33¢ 16.33¢ 17.36¢ 932 $161.86 -5.2% 6.3% 

22 Chicago O'Hare, IL 17.35¢ 15.48¢ 17.17¢ 1,021 $175.22 -0.5% 10.9% 

23 Marquette, MI 21.22¢ 16.23¢ 17.15¢ 1,216 $208.62 -10.1% 5.7% 

24 Springfield, IL 19.10¢ 16.44¢ 16.46¢ 1,115 $183.56 -7.2% 0.1% 

25 Eau Claire, WI 21.91¢ 19.02¢ 16.44¢ 1,004 $165.05 -13.4% -13.6% 

26 Green Bay, WI 18.39¢ 15.81¢ 16.36¢ 1,073 $175.59 -5.7% 3.5% 

27 Iron Mountain, MI 20.62¢ 16.54¢ 16.33¢ 1,260 $205.73 -11.0% -1.3% 

28 Madison, WI 19.07¢ 14.76¢ 16.19¢ 1,073 $173.72 -7.9% 9.7% 

29 Detroit, MI 15.83¢ 14.40¢ 16.15¢ 1,065 $171.94 1.0% 12.2% 

30 Appleton, WI 19.77¢ 14.84¢ 16.13¢ 1,080 $174.17 -9.7% 8.7% 

31 South Bend, IN 16.63¢ 14.73¢ 16.02¢ 1,071 $171.63 -1.9% 8.8% 

32 Escanaba, MI 19.67¢ 16.16¢ 15.89¢ 1,245 $197.89 -10.1% -1.7% 

33 Paducah, KY 26.01¢ 22.86¢ 15.66¢ 1,179 $184.61 -22.4% -31.5% 

34 Moline, IL 15.62¢ 13.99¢ 15.50¢ 1,072 $166.09 -0.4% 10.8% 

35 Grand Rapids, MI 19.03¢ 16.22¢ 15.49¢ 1,126 $174.44 -9.8% -4.5% 

36 Columbus, OH 15.90¢ 13.78¢ 15.49¢ 979 $151.65 -1.3% 12.4% 

37 Hancock, MI 19.41¢ 16.42¢ 15.42¢ 1,245 $191.99 -10.9% -6.1% 

38 Dayton, OH 16.46¢ 13.74¢ 15.15¢ 1,023 $154.97 -4.1% 10.3% 

39 Chicago Midw ay, IL 14.26¢ 13.05¢ 14.91¢ 918 $136.90 2.3% 14.3% 

40 Indianapolis, IN 14.91¢ 13.32¢ 14.89¢ 1,033 $153.82 -0.1% 11.8% 

41 Wausau, WI 19.28¢ 15.44¢ 14.80¢ 1,184 $175.26 -12.4% -4.1% 

42 Muskegon, MI 21.67¢ 19.55¢ 14.46¢ 1,193 $172.52 -18.3% -26.0% 

43 Bloomington/Normal, IL 14.91¢ 13.47¢ 14.38¢ 1,012 $145.57 -1.8% 6.8% 

44 Peoria, IL 15.44¢ 13.34¢ 14.32¢ 1,168 $167.30 -3.7% 7.3% 

45 Akron/Canton, OH 14.00¢ 12.42¢ 14.13¢ 964 $136.27 0.5% 13.8% 

46 Flint, MI 13.96¢ 12.09¢ 12.85¢ 1,064 $136.73 -4.1% 6.3% 

47 Milw aukee, WI 15.41¢ 12.14¢ 12.30¢ 1,021 $125.53 -10.7% 1.3% 

48 Ow ensboro, KY 0.00¢ 8.45¢ 8.88¢ 687 $61.00 100.0% 5.1% 

49 Rockford, IL 9.27¢ 7.69¢ 8.33¢ 1,225 $102.02 -5.2% 8.3% 

50 Youngstow n, OH 8.86¢ 7.00¢ 7.81¢ 795 $62.09 -6.1% 11.6% 

Average Regional Yield 16.88¢ 14.75¢ 16.20¢ 1,015 $164.40 -2.0% 9.8% 

Avg. Ann. Change

Rank

FIGURE 26: Top 50 Great Lakes Region Airports, Domestic Yield, 2010
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 50

Outbound Percent of

Airport CY 2008 CY 2009 CY 2010 Flights / Day CY 2010 08-10 09-10

1 Chicago O'Hare, IL 373,676 352,089 373,312 1,022.8 30.3% 0.0% 6.0% 

2 Detroit, MI 204,122 195,701 204,116 559.2 16.6% 0.0% 4.3% 

3 Chicago Midw ay, IL 94,213 90,538 88,038 241.2 7.1% -3.3% -2.8% 

4 Cleveland, OH 102,058 89,521 84,482 231.5 6.9% -9.0% -5.6% 

5 Milw aukee, WI 69,286 66,382 76,732 210.2 6.2% 5.2% 15.6% 

6 Cincinnati, OH 129,511 97,265 70,789 193.9 5.7% -26.1% -27.2% 

7 Indianapolis, IN 62,800 56,541 53,156 145.6 4.3% -8.0% -6.0% 

8 Columbus, OH 54,790 50,267 48,463 132.8 3.9% -6.0% -3.6% 

9 Louisville, KY 32,376 29,295 29,689 81.3 2.4% -4.2% 1.3% 

10 Dayton, OH 26,443 23,319 22,841 62.6 1.9% -7.1% -2.0% 

11 Grand Rapids, MI 18,125 17,707 19,618 53.7 1.6% 4.0% 10.8% 

12 Madison, WI 16,488 15,004 14,636 40.1 1.2% -5.8% -2.5% 

13 Lexington, KY 13,985 12,375 13,233 36.3 1.1% -2.7% 6.9% 

14 Akron/Canton, OH 11,811 11,439 12,150 33.3 1.0% 1.4% 6.2% 

15 Moline, IL 10,883 10,469 10,120 27.7 0.8% -3.6% -3.3% 

16 Flint, MI 10,214 9,423 9,031 24.7 0.7% -6.0% -4.2% 

17 Green Bay, WI 9,314 7,898 8,693 23.8 0.7% -3.4% 10.1% 

18 South Bend, IN 10,039 7,877 7,359 20.2 0.6% -14.4% -6.6% 

19 Appleton, WI 7,968 6,887 6,884 18.9 0.6% -7.1% 0.0% 

20 Fort Wayne, IN 9,053 7,417 6,355 17.4 0.5% -16.2% -14.3% 

21 Peoria, IL 6,929 6,416 5,677 15.6 0.5% -9.5% -11.5% 

22 Wausau, WI 5,487 5,333 5,431 14.9 0.4% -0.5% 1.8% 

23 Bloomington/Normal, IL 5,506 5,028 5,343 14.6 0.4% -1.5% 6.3% 

24 Traverse City, MI 4,625 4,653 4,919 13.5 0.4% 3.1% 5.7% 

25 Evansville, IN 7,636 5,678 4,875 13.4 0.4% -20.1% -14.1% 

26 Kalamazoo, MI 5,342 4,305 4,712 12.9 0.4% -6.1% 9.5% 

27 Midland/Saginaw , MI 3,885 4,086 4,259 11.7 0.3% 4.7% 4.2% 

28 Lansing, MI 4,424 3,655 4,158 11.4 0.3% -3.1% 13.8% 

29 La Crosse, WI 3,556 3,588 3,778 10.4 0.3% 3.1% 5.3% 

30 Toledo, OH 4,624 3,084 2,719 7.4 0.2% -23.3% -11.8% 

31 Champaign, IL 3,402 3,025 2,629 7.2 0.2% -12.1% -13.1% 

32 Marquette, MI 2,699 2,386 2,177 6.0 0.2% -10.2% -8.8% 

33 Springfield, IL 2,229 2,036 2,069 5.7 0.2% -3.7% 1.6% 

34 Rhinelander, WI 2,340 2,316 1,963 5.4 0.2% -8.4% -15.2% 

35 Marion, IL 927 1,054 1,861 5.1 0.2% 41.7% 76.6% 

36 Quincy, IL 975 1,023 1,831 5.0 0.1% 37.0% 79.0% 

37 Decatur, IL 778 621 1,735 4.8 0.1% 49.3% 179.4% 

38 Escanaba, MI 862 1,065 1,204 3.3 0.1% 18.2% 13.1% 

39 Eau Claire, WI 1,875 1,621 1,098 3.0 0.1% -23.5% -32.3% 

40 Iron Mountain, MI 836 1,049 1,049 2.9 0.1% 12.0% 0.0% 

41 Pellston, MI 1,232 1,076 980 2.7 0.1% -10.8% -8.9% 

42 Ow ensboro, KY 11 361 958 2.6 0.1% 833.2% 165.4% 

43 Alpena, MI 1,029 1,048 809 2.2 0.1% -11.3% -22.8% 

44 Hancock, MI 1,015 1,030 756 2.1 0.1% -13.7% -26.6% 

45 Muskegon, MI 1,746 925 732 2.0 0.1% -35.3% -20.9% 

46 Sault Sainte Marie, MI 694 715 718 2.0 0.1% 1.7% 0.4% 

47 Paducah, KY 1,061 912 708 1.9 0.1% -18.3% -22.4% 

48 Rockford, IL 1,145 867 643 1.8 0.1% -25.1% -25.8% 

49 Manistee, MI 534 661 630 1.7 0.1% 8.6% -4.7% 

50 Ironw ood, MI 523 653 584 1.6 0.0% 5.7% -10.6% 

Total of Above 1,345,082 1,227,684 1,230,702 3,371.8 99.9% -4.3% 0.2% 

Total Flights Completed 1,347,237 1,228,643 1,231,537 3,374.1 100.0% -4.4% 0.2% 

Rank

Avg. Ann. Change

FIGURE 27: Top 50 Great Lakes Region Airports, Domestic Flights Completed, 2010
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 51

Seats Overall

Airport CY 2008 CY 2009 CY 2010 CY 2010 3 Yr Avg 08-10 09-10

1 Rockford, IL 81.9% 79.7% 89.6% 97,448 83.2% 4.6% 12.3% 

2 Madison, WI 70.6% 78.0% 82.3% 937,044 76.8% 7.9% 5.5% 

3 Akron/Canton, OH 77.6% 77.5% 81.1% 956,546 78.7% 2.2% 4.6% 

4 Fort Wayne, IN 63.3% 68.1% 79.9% 344,416 69.7% 12.3% 17.3% 

5 Flint, MI 69.7% 75.7% 79.5% 627,218 74.6% 6.8% 5.0% 

6 Chicago O'Hare, IL 77.2% 76.8% 79.4% 34,366,320 77.8% 1.4% 3.4% 

7 Chicago Midw ay, IL 70.6% 74.7% 79.0% 11,436,573 74.6% 5.8% 5.7% 

8 Detroit, MI 77.9% 77.5% 78.8% 18,159,704 78.1% 0.6% 1.7% 

9 Columbus, OH 72.8% 73.9% 78.8% 4,023,676 75.1% 4.0% 6.6% 

10 Youngstow n, OH 66.0% 74.6% 78.7% 34,989 73.6% 9.2% 5.5% 

11 Indianapolis, IN 74.4% 75.9% 78.7% 4,747,052 76.2% 2.8% 3.7% 

12 Cincinnati, OH 74.2% 76.7% 77.5% 4,925,786 75.8% 2.2% 1.1% 

13 Grand Rapids, MI 71.4% 74.0% 77.5% 1,410,604 74.4% 4.2% 4.8% 

14 Milw aukee, WI 72.3% 73.4% 77.3% 6,237,449 74.5% 3.4% 5.4% 

15 Cleveland, OH 72.9% 73.3% 76.5% 5,881,025 74.1% 2.4% 4.4% 

16 Moline, IL 73.4% 71.3% 76.4% 625,528 73.7% 2.0% 7.1% 

17 Dayton, OH 76.9% 73.6% 76.3% 1,634,305 75.6% -0.3% 3.7% 

18 South Bend, IN 72.8% 73.7% 76.2% 416,800 74.1% 2.3% 3.4% 

19 Peoria, IL 72.7% 68.8% 75.9% 332,132 72.4% 2.2% 10.3% 

20 Lexington, KY 68.7% 70.0% 75.0% 719,084 71.2% 4.5% 7.2% 

21 Bloomington/Normal, IL 73.5% 69.3% 74.7% 367,407 72.6% 0.8% 7.8% 

22 Louisville, KY 74.7% 73.7% 74.4% 2,263,085 74.3% -0.1% 0.9% 

23 Appleton, WI 67.0% 74.4% 72.7% 373,844 71.3% 4.2% -2.3% 

24 Evansville, IN 58.9% 55.8% 70.8% 240,477 61.3% 9.6% 26.9% 

25 Green Bay, WI 66.5% 69.1% 69.7% 507,426 68.3% 2.3% 0.9% 

26 Wausau, WI 65.4% 60.8% 66.9% 238,940 64.3% 1.2% 10.0% 

27 Champaign, IL 61.8% 62.3% 66.8% 128,930 63.5% 3.9% 7.2% 

28 Traverse City, MI 67.2% 64.4% 65.5% 256,042 65.7% -1.3% 1.7% 

29 Ow ensboro, KY 19.8% 74.3% 65.1% 24,837 68.2% 81.3% -12.4% 

30 Toledo, OH 60.7% 58.7% 63.1% 146,331 60.8% 2.0% 7.6% 

31 Lansing, MI 68.9% 63.1% 62.3% 211,725 65.3% -4.9% -1.2% 

32 Midland/Saginaw , MI 57.5% 57.3% 61.9% 238,111 58.8% 3.8% 8.1% 

33 Hancock, MI 62.5% 60.4% 60.1% 35,241 61.0% -2.0% -0.4% 

34 Sault Sainte Marie, MI 55.9% 53.9% 58.6% 24,412 56.2% 2.4% 8.7% 

35 Kalamazoo, MI 59.4% 61.2% 58.6% 234,338 59.7% -0.7% -4.3% 

36 Pellston, MI 56.1% 56.0% 58.2% 39,777 56.7% 1.8% 3.9% 

37 Paducah, KY 59.8% 59.5% 57.5% 34,366 58.9% -2.0% -3.3% 

38 La Crosse, WI 58.3% 56.9% 57.1% 190,968 57.4% -1.0% 0.3% 

39 Springfield, IL 50.8% 56.6% 56.3% 109,007 54.5% 5.2% -0.6% 

40 Marquette, MI 52.8% 57.2% 55.4% 103,436 55.0% 2.5% -3.1% 

41 Rhinelander, WI 41.3% 42.7% 47.7% 55,470 43.6% 7.5% 11.7% 

42 Quincy, IL 12.1% 10.5% 46.2% 16,638 22.5% 95.0% 340.8% 

43 Marion, IL 17.7% 18.4% 43.2% 18,459 26.3% 56.3% 134.8% 

44 Escanaba, MI 31.2% 33.0% 40.6% 40,936 35.6% 14.1% 22.9% 

45 Alpena, MI 49.2% 46.8% 39.9% 27,586 45.7% -9.9% -14.6% 

46 Eau Claire, WI 44.6% 46.0% 38.9% 53,828 43.4% -6.6% -15.5% 

47 Muskegon, MI 54.7% 49.3% 35.5% 35,257 48.1% -19.4% -27.9% 

48 Iron Mountain, MI 22.5% 26.6% 33.9% 35,663 28.2% 22.6% 27.6% 

49 Detroit Willow Run, MI 9.8% 21.5% 19.4% 15,207 16.0% 40.8% -9.9% 

50 Decatur, IL 7.0% 5.8% 17.9% 13,243 10.4% 59.6% 210.4% 

Average Load Factor 74.6% 75.3% 78.0% 104,051,551 75.9% 2.3% 3.7% 

Avg. Ann. Change

Rank

FIGURE 28: Top 50 Great Lakes Region Airports, Domestic Load Factor, 2010
University of Illinois Willard Airport • Small Community Air Service Development Grant Proposal • August 2, 2011 52

CONCLUSIONS

Champaign/Urbana was left without any true eastbound connecting service when Delta ended 

its long standing connection to Detroit. It is imperative that the Airport work to replace 

eastbound service, to provide the connectivity to the east coast and to international 

destinations that is necessary for the region’s major businesses.

The University of Illinois Willard Airport proposes a new route between Champaign/Urbana and 

Washington Dulles. The Airport is requesting a Small Community Air Service Development Grant 

to ensure this route is launched. It would be the only non-stop service from a central Illinois 

airport to a hub on the East Coast, and the only 

non-stop from the region to Washington, DC.

The Champaign/Urbana market continues to 

be squeezed by seats cuts and fare increases. 

It is interesting to note that, while the number of 

seats offered by Champaign/Urbana’s airlines fell by 30% between 2008 and 2010, the average 

number of passengers using the service provided at the Airport each day dropped by just 14%, 

as load factors improved to 74% for the 12 months ended March of 2011. Even as airlines cut 

service, and as fares go up, demand for service stays strong in Champaign/Urbana. This is 

evidenced by the fact that Champaign/Urbana has the highest average fare of all Illinois and 

Indiana markets – at $560 roundtrip in 2010.

Organizations within the community and the University of Illinois recognize the economic value 

commercial service at Willard Airport brings to the community and have underscored their 

commitment by allocating financial resources to the project. The project is ready to move 

forward in 2012, with federal support.

“The Champaign/Urbana market 

continues to be squeezed by seat 

cuts and fare increases.”