RFD Named 2013 Primary Airport of the Year

Rockford, IL – The Illinois Division of Aeronautics has announced that the Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) has been named the 2013 Primary Airport of the Year. This honor was formally presented to the airport at the annual Illinois Aviation Conference Luncheon held on Thursday, May 16, 2013 in Moline, IL.

The selection of “Airport of the Year” is based on a number of criteria including cooperation and coordination with the Division of Aeronautics and Federal Aviation Administration, the facility’s safety record, aeronautical events, and maintenance of the facility.

The accomplishments that contributed to this award include completing two phases of runway construction on Runway 1/19, Rockford AirFest 2012, work with Illinois Jobs Now capital funding of parking lot expansion, and partnering with the City of Rockford and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity on a 70 acre solar farm. In addition, RFD hosted numerous special events and was successful in maintaining a safe operating facility.

Dr. Susan Shea, Director of the IL Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics said in a letter to RFD“Congratulations for your efforts in making Chicago Rockford International Airport one of the most outstanding examples of aviation excellence in Illinois.”

“This award is really a team effort. The Board has given great direction and the staff has done a tremendous job of carrying out that vision,” said Executive Director Mike Dunn.  “The Board has created an atmosphere that has allowed staff to think creatively, and fostered a fiscal responsibility that has given our taxpayers a confidence in the airport,” he continued.

Greater Rockford Airport Authority Board Chairman Paul Cicero cites great relationships for the award. “RFD has forged great relationships with the state as well as local and federal government to promote growth over the last number of years and this award is a culmination of those efforts,” he said.