Based just 25 miles outside of downtown Chicago and within a short drive to Lake Michigan, Gary/ Chicago is ideally located. The airport serves its role perfectly as a central business, general aviation, cargo, and soon-to-be commercial hub that will, in short order, provide residents of Gary, Indiana, a direct route out of the city without having to detour to nearby Chicago O’Hare or Midway. Equipped with an unparalleled US Customs facility that provides the very best technology and modern amenities, an upgraded parking area, and a welcoming atmosphere, Vicari is more than aware that his airport is in an ideal position for even further growth and expansion. Boasting a runway that is just short of 9,000 square feet, making it the Chicago region’s second longest runway, after O’Hare International Airport. This dynamic airport can land just about any aircraft, giving it an edge over other airports of a similar size. With an eye to additional capital upgrades and business leasing opportunities, Gary/Chicago International Airport is flying high through the second half of 2025. CARGO ROUTES MOVING FORWARD Viewed as a bit of a cargo hub due to its location, Gary/Chicago International is seeing potential for targeted growth within its overall logistics capabilities. “For cargo, we have daily operations with UPS. We started this in 2020, and it has been very successful,” Vicari relays. As part of a long-term goal to increase its cargo capabilities, Vicari and his team have recently extended UPS’s long-term lease at the airport and will remain engaged with cargo operations for at least an additional 5 years. Vicari explains that this is reflective of its aim to relocate UPS operations to a new air cargo apron facility that the airport has already started preliminary construction on. “The board has approved $22 million in contracts for the construction of phase one of a cargo ramp that will support UPS and others to operate. This is in the new area of the airport that was acquired 189 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 08 GARY/CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
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