DuPage Airport

DuPage Airport (DPA) represents a strategic reliever facility serving the western Chicago suburbs and the rapidly growing Silicon Prairie technology corridor, located in West Chicago, Illinois. As a joint civil-military airport operated in partnership with the Air National Guard, DPA uniquely maintains both scheduled commercial service and robust general aviation operations within a professional, well-maintained infrastructure. The airport's two runways—one measuring 5,000 feet ideal for regional turboprops and another at 8,000 feet accommodating regional jets—provide exceptional versatility that attracts diverse user bases. The airport accommodates everything from light training aircraft and piston singles through regional turboprops and entry-level regional jets including CRJ and ERJ aircraft. This versatility has attracted a diverse user base including flight schools, charter operators, regional business users, and corporate operators seeking alternatives to the congested Class B airspace surrounding Chicago's primary airports. DPA's strategic location along the I-88 corridor—the major technology corridor connecting Chicago to Aurora and the western suburbs—provides exceptional ground access to major technology companies in the emerging Silicon Prairie, making it idyllic for corporate aviation operations. The airport's scheduled service with regional carriers like SkyWest demonstrates lender confidence in the facility's viability and economic soundness. Commercial airline operations require extensive infrastructure, rigorous safety certifications, and financial stability that only well-managed airports can achieve. The presence of commercial air service validates the airport's operational standards and security infrastructure. The fixed-base operator maintains modern facilities including high-quality maintenance capabilities, avgas and Jet A fuel services, and quality rental aircraft for flight training and personal use. The flight school presence at DuPage creates a robust pipeline of trained pilots and supports aviation education. The Art Institute of Chicago's aviation program, along with independent flight schools, generates consistent aircraft utilization and training demand. For aircraft owners, financing at DPA appeals to those seeking to balance convenience with cost-effectiveness. The airport's competitive rental rates and fuel prices support long-term ownership economics and make aircraft basing affordable compared to Chicago metropolitan alternatives. The surrounding DuPage County population of over 900,000 provides a substantial market for charter operations, flight training, and business aviation services. Many corporate operators based in the western suburbs—serving the technology, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing sectors—utilize DPA to reduce drive times compared to Chicago's primary airports. The airport has undergone recent improvements including runway maintenance, facility upgrades, and technology enhancements supporting modern aircraft operations. Military presence at the facility through the Illinois Air National Guard ensures professional-grade infrastructure maintenance and operational standards. For aircraft financing, lenders recognize DPA as a stable, well-managed facility with diversified revenue streams from civilian and military operations. The Air National Guard presence ensures consistent funding and professional management. Aircraft based at DPA show strong utilization trends, particularly in charter operations and corporate aviation segments. The economic strength of the surrounding technology and manufacturing sectors supports robust demand for aircraft financing at this airport. DPA's position on the aviation growth corridor suggests expanding opportunities.