The Chamber Business Spotlight of the Week is - Veterans Airport.

Located in the heart of Southern Illinois, Veterans Airport is the region's sole commercial service airport providing daily flights to and from St. Louis and Nashville on Cape Air. The airline offers up to 6 round trip flights a day, while the airport provides free parking and the convenience of easy check-in and security. A new airline terminal completed in 2016 offers both airline and passengers a modern and efficient facility. The terminal also accommodates rental car operations, TSA offices, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Substation, charter lounge/meeting space, and airport administration.

Veterans Airport also continues to assist Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois providing Veterans flights to Washington, D.C. to see their memorials at no charge. Seven missions and over 500 veterans have been flown to-date with tremendous public recognition and support.

Business and corporate flights account for 80% of the airport’s general aviation activity, providing a vital link to and from the area for local and visiting business and industry. Other aviation activity includes flight training, military operations, Civil Air Patrol operations, law enforcement and emergency medical operations, air cargo, and recreational flying. Midwest Aviation offers fueling and line services, aircraft maintenance and repair, flight training, aircraft rental, charter, and other general aviation services.

Combined with over 20 other businesses located on-airport that provide an array of products and services, the airport generates an annual economic impact of over $22 million to the southern Illinois economy.