Chicago Executive Airport
Charter from PWK · KPWK
The airport is located in the village of Wheeling, 18 miles northwest of Chicago. 1020 Plant Rd, Wheeling, IL 60090
Chicago Executive Airport, or PWK, is a public airport in Cook County, Illinois. The fourth busiest airport in the state, it is owned the City of Prospect Heights and by the Village of Wheeling. The airport can handle executive jets in the 20-seat range, such as the Citation Challenger series. There…
Serving Chicago → View Chicago Charter OptionsChicago Executive Airport at a Glance
| FBOs | Signature Flight SupportAtlantic Aviation |
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Charter a Private Jet from Chicago Executive Airport
Chicago Executive Airport, or PWK, is a public airport in Cook County, Illinois. The fourth busiest airport in the state, it is owned the City of Prospect Heights and by the Village of Wheeling. The airport can handle executive jets in the 20-seat range, such as the Citation Challenger series. There are roughly 108,040 aircraft movements per year: 80% general aviation, 20% air taxi, and less than 1% military and commercial. There are three FBOs on site, Atlantic Aviation, Signature Flight Support, and Hawthorne Global Aviation. Further, the airport covers 411 acres and has three runways: 6/24, which is 3,677 by 50 feet (asphalt); 12/30, which is 4,415 by 75 feet (asphalt); and 16/34, which is 5,001 by 150 feet (asphalt).
Chicago Executive started in 1925 as Gauthier’s Flying Field, covering an area of 40 acres. In 1928 it was renamed Palwaukee Airport (the origin of its IATA code). In the 30s, the airport was expanded to 91 acres, and in the 40s, it grew further to 109 acres, with a gravel runway and 70 T-hangars. T…
- —In 1950, Sally Strempel, considered a female pioneer in aviation, bought a flight school at the airport and named it Sally's Flying School. Sally is a member of the Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame and one of the first five women designated by the FAA as a flight instructor.
- —There is a public viewing area south of Runway 16/34, with lighting, a picnic table, and bleacher seating.
- —At one point in time, one could take an hour-long airport tour, although they are currently suspended. The website encourages prospective visitors to check back in 2023.
A Legacy of Private Aviation
Chicago Executive started in 1925 as Gauthier’s Flying Field, covering an area of 40 acres. In 1928 it was renamed Palwaukee Airport (the origin of its IATA code). In the 30s, the airport was expanded to 91 acres, and in the 40s, it grew further to 109 acres, with a gravel runway and 70 T-hangars. The airport was purchased by Priester Aviation Service in 1953. The following year, a DC-3 hangar was constructed, and lighting was installed on the runway. By 1959 the airport had four runways. By 1965 new corporate hangars and Runway 16/34, which was 5,000 feet in length, were constructed. The FAA commissioned an air traffic control tower in 1967. In 1974, a partial taxiway to Runway 16/34 was completed (1,600 feet in length), and the FAA began an ILS installation that same year. On December 26, 1986, the airport was purchased by the City of Prospect Heights and the Village of Wheeling (through a mix of funding from the FAA, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the municipalities). However, Priester continued to operate as the only FBO after the purchase (it sold the FBO to Signature Flight Support in 2001). In 1997 a new air traffic control tower was commissioned. That same year Priester began construction of three new corporate hangars capable of providing access to the new transcontinental business aircraft entering service. In October 2006, the airport was renamed Chicago Executive Airport.
FBO Facilities at PWK
Fixed-base operators providing private aviation services at Chicago Executive Airport.
Signature Flight Support
Private terminal services · Fuel · Hangar · Concierge
Atlantic Aviation
Private terminal services · Fuel · Hangar · Concierge
Charter Pricing from Chicago Executive Airport
Charter options by aircraft category from PWK. Every trip is quoted individually.
Prices vary by route, date, and aircraft availability. Contact us for an exact quote.
Why Fly Private from PWK
Skip the Lines
Arrive at PWK just 15 minutes before departure. No TSA queues, no crowded terminals — walk straight to your aircraft.
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Popular Routes from Chicago
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Nearby Airports
Other private jet airports near Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about flying private to Chicago.
Yes, private jet flights offer flexible departure times. Operators generally provide a window of 30 minutes to two hours, but this can be extended upon request, provided it doesn't conflict with crew duty limitations or subsequent flight schedules. It's best to confirm this flexibility with your aviation advisor when booking.
Generally, each passenger on a light or midsize private jet can bring one piece of luggage, with each piece weighing up to 23 kilograms (about 50 lbs). However, larger jets, which are often used for longer journeys, typically allow passengers to bring more than one piece of luggage per person to accommodate extended stays.
Yes, all passengers on international private jet flights must go through customs. Certain countries require customs clearance at designated ports of entry. For instance, flights heading to Bora Bora must stop in Tahiti for customs. Similarly, when entering the U.S. from Mexico, passengers must clear customs at the first port of entry.
Crew members must have a minimum of 10 hours of rest within a 24-hour period. Their duty day cannot exceed 14 hours, followed by a rest period at their hotel. Typically, flight operators schedule around 12 hours of rest to accommodate travel time to and from the hotel, ensuring the crew has adequate rest.
A fuel stop usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes. To expedite the process, the flight operator or pilots often notify the fueling service in advance, so a fuel truck is ready upon the jet's arrival. For smaller aircraft, refueling might take as little as 30 minutes.
Yes, on most private jets, luggage can be accessed during the flight because the luggage and passenger areas are on the same level. This contrasts with commercial flights where luggage is stored separately in the cargo hold. On larger private jets, luggage is often stored in an area behind the lavatory, making it accessible during the flight.
Private jet passengers can enjoy a variety of catering options, including local cuisine. While standard snacks and beverages are typically available, meals that do not require cooking can be ordered in advance. Any hot food must be pre-cooked and can only be warmed on board.
Yes, pets are welcome on most private jet flights. It's important to inform the operator in advance, as there may be specific requirements or a small cleaning fee. Ensure that all necessary documentation and vaccination records for your pet are current. For domestic U.S. travel, dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old and weaned.
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