(photo caption, L-R: Sarah Gross, GCIAA; Drew Smith, Powers and Sons Construction; Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (IN-1st); Kelly Powers Baria, Executive Vice President – Powers and Sons Construction; Steve Mays, GCIAA Vice President; Dr. Vanessa McCloud, GCIAA Commissioner; Dan Vicari, GCIA Executive Director; Ellis G. Dumas III, City of Gary Mayor’s Office; Rob Herb, Wingtip Aviation; Josh Guczek, GCIAA. Photo provided, Gary/Chicago International Airport)
In Gary, Gary/Chicago International Airport is celebrating the completion of the new $12 million Wingtip Aviation hangar. Elected officials, project partners and business leaders gathered for the opening on Friday (Jul 17), an event the airport says marked another significant milestone in its continued growth and investment in Northwest Indiana. The facility will serve as the new home of Wingtip Aviation’s consolidated operations at Gary/Chicago and further expands the airport’s ability to accommodate corporate and general aviation activity. Groundbreaking was in June 2024.
“Congratulations to Mayor Melton and all leaders from the City of Gary, the Gary/Chicago International Airport, the State of Indiana, and our organized labor construction workforce for successfully completing another signature private-sector economic development project in Gary,” said Indiana Congressman Frank J. Mrvan. “Let us build on this momentum and continue to support initiatives that create more high-paying jobs, strengthen our regional economy, and expand opportunities for families and businesses throughout Northwest Indiana.”
“We are grateful to Wingtip Aviation, the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority, Powers & Sons, and all of our partners who continue to invest in Gary and believe in the future we are building together – this new hangar represents the continued progress and momentum happening at Gary/Chicago International Airport and throughout our city,” said Gary Mayor Eddie Melton. “Strategic investments like this create opportunities for our residents, support good-paying jobs, and strengthen Gary’s position as a destination for business and economic growth.”
“The opening of the Wingtip Aviation hangar is another important milestone in GCIA’s ongoing evolution as a regional aviation hub,” said Steve Mays, Vice President of the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority. “This facility enhances the services we can offer, supports our airport tenants and further demonstrates our commitment to creating an environment where businesses can succeed and grow.”
The project was overseen by Powers & Sons Construction of Gary, Indiana. “We are proud to have partnered with Gary/Chicago International Airport and Wingtip Aviation on a project that will serve the region for decades to come,” said Kelly Baria, Powers & Sons Construction. “This hangar represents more than a building. It is an investment in economic development, workforce opportunity and the long-term future of Northwest Indiana.”
“This new hangar represents a major milestone for Wingtip Aviation and our commitment to Gary/Chicago International Airport,” said Jeromy Montesano, owner of Wingtip Aviation. “By consolidating our operations into this purpose-built facility, we are better positioned to serve our customers, support our employees and continue growing alongside one of the most dynamic airports in the region.”
