Economic Development

It has been said that the most important roadway in any community is the runway of the local airport. And so it is true of the St. Louis Downtown Airport, which not only serves as the region’s front door for business and private aviation, but is also the busiest general aviation airport in the state of Illinois outside of Chicago, serving as the designated reliever for Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.

Due to its proximity to Downtown St. Louis, each week hundreds of business and pleasure travelers including professional sports teams, political leaders, entertainers and business professionals fly in and out of St. Louis Downtown Airport.

In a single month, the airport can see 8,500 takeoffs and landings. The reconstruction of the airport’s primary runway, which was completed in 2011, paved the way for larger aircraft such as the Airbus 320 and the Boeing 757.

St. Louis Downtown Airport is home to 26 aviation businesses, 300-based aircraft and more than 3,700 high-paying jobs. The airport contributes $584 million in regional economic impact annually, and it is poised to continue to drive economic development throughout the region today and into the future.

Construction Projects



In order to better serve our community, itinerant traffic, and tenants, the St. Louis Downtown Airport is constantly working to improve its infrastructure. Please take a moment to gain familiarity with ongoing and planned construction projects. The St. Louis Downtown Airport charges no local tax, but generates an estimated $584 million to the local economy and generates 142 jobs in the community.                     

 Lease or Build



Your business can utilize our position as an economic engine in the community and region to increase your productivity, efficiency, and bottom line profitability. From Industrial lots in proximity of the airport to on airfield master lease holds, the St. Louis Downtown Airport will work with you and your development agency to ensure you have the location for success.

Planned Projects



 

The St. Louis Downtown Airport has a complete Transportation Improvement Plan available from the Illinois Department of Transportation; however, the following are some key projects to watch for:

  • Drainage Improvements
  • Airport Fuel Farm Improvements
  • Aircraft Run-up Enclosure
  • Master Plan