Atlantic Aviation
Chicago/Prospect Heights/Wheeling, IL
About Atlantic Aviation
Atlantic Aviation at Chicago Executive Airport in Prospect Heights provides full-service general aviation handling for the north suburban Chicago market, 18 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. The airport is the primary general aviation alternative to O'Hare International for passengers traveling to destinations along the North Shore, the Schaumburg business corridor, and the northern suburbs.
Chicago winters require serious infrastructure, and Atlantic's PWK location maintains heated hangars and de-icing equipment as standard operations rather than seasonal additions. Aircraft arriving or departing during winter weather receive de-icing treatment before takeoff, and the heated hangars protect aircraft from temperature extremes that accelerate maintenance issues during extended cold snaps.
Ground transport from Chicago Executive Airport runs approximately 35 minutes to downtown Chicago, 10 minutes to O'Hare International, 15 minutes to the Lake Forest and North Shore communities, and 15 minutes to the Schaumburg business corridor along Interstate 90. Northbrook, Glenview, and the surrounding corporate campus concentration fall within 15 to 20 minutes.
Corporate traffic from the area reflects the density of major company headquarters in north suburban Chicago. Motorola Solutions, Allstate Insurance, and numerous pharmaceutical and manufacturing companies maintain offices within range of the airport, generating consistent midweek business aviation traffic without the delays associated with O'Hare's commercial operations.
Atlantic operates this location 24/7 with full ground handling, fueling, pilot lounges, and passenger facilities. The facility connects to Atlantic's network of over 100 locations, which benefits corporate flight departments running regular routes between Chicago Executive and other Atlantic FBOs. Charter passengers arriving from smaller markets often prefer PWK specifically to avoid commercial terminal congestion and the longer ground transport times from O'Hare to North Shore destinations.
Amenities and services
Operations at Chicago Executive Airport
Downtown Chicago (the Loop) is about 20 miles south, typically a 30 to 45 minute drive depending on traffic on I-94 or US-41. The North Shore suburbs, including Winnetka, Lake Forest, Northbrook, and Evanston, are 10 to 25 minutes by car, which is the main reason passengers choose KPWK over Midway or O'Hare. Rosemont and the convention corridor near O'Hare is about 15 minutes west. Car services from Chicago's North Shore operate regularly from KPWK. Most FBOs can arrange ground transportation on request. There is no rail connection from the airport.