Aviation Employers in Chicago

Chicago is a powerhouse in aviation, with a diverse ecosystem of employers spanning airports, airlines, FBOs, fuel providers, governmental agencies, cargo operators, and charter firms. Here’s a comprehensive look:

✈️ Airports & Aviation Infrastructure

• O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – One of the world’s busiest hubs, managed by the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), which oversees both ORD and Midway.

• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – Chicago’s second-largest commercial airport and a major base for Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines.

• Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) – A reliever airport north of ORD with strong general aviation activity. It hosts FBOs like Atlantic Aviation, Signature Flight Support, Chicago Private Jet Charters, Hawthorne Global, and charters such as Priester Air Charter.

🏢 Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs)

• Signature Flight Support – Operates at both ORD and PWK, offering handling, fueling, concierge, and facilities.

• Atlantic Aviation – Present at MDW, providing valet, hangars, crew lounges, Wi‑Fi, and concierge services.

• Other FBOs at PWK – Include Chicago Private Jet Charters and Hawthorne Global Aviation as revealed in PWK listings.

⛽ Fuel Providers & Ground Handling

• Menzies Aviation – Active at ORD, offering roles as Fuel Operations Manager, Fueling Agent, and Supervisor.

• Swissport International, Unifi Aviation, Millenia Aero, and Worldwide Flight Services – Provide fuel, cargo, ramp, and logistics services.

• United Airlines (Chicago HQ) – Supports corporate fuel tech roles at its headquarters.

• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) – Southwest Airlines has entered a major SAF deal through Midway with Valero, representing growth in Chicago’s sustainable fuel initiative.

🛫 Airlines & Air Cargo

• Major Passenger Airlines – Include American, United, Delta, Southwest, Frontier, Spirit, and more operating at ORD/MDW.

• Regional/Commuter Carriers – Envoy Air, Contour Airlines, Southern Airways Express, GoJet, and others operate passenger and maintenance services.

• Cargo Airlines – Kalitta Air runs scheduled cargo flights from ORD; others like FedEx and UPS are also significant stakeholders.

👮 Government Agencies & Security

• Transportation Security Administration (TSA) – Major security employer at passenger terminals across ORD/MDW.

• U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) – Operates international arrival processing at ORD, Global Entry, general aviation inspections, and deferred inspections.

• Covenant Aviation Security – A Chicago‑based firm providing TSA‑contracted airport security services nationwide.

• FAA & Air Traffic Control – Agencies manage the terminal radar approach control and airspace regulation.

🚁 Air Charter, Business Aviation & General Aviation

• PWK is home to Chicago Private Jet Charters, Priester Air Charter, and several smaller operators.

• Charter companies and flight schools operate at various GA airports throughout the metro area.

• Support companies include AAR, Aeronautical Electric, Aviall, B2 Aviation, Aerohoff Inspection, among others listed via Avjobs.

🧩 Ground Support, Maintenance & MRO

• Envoy Air, Contour, and GoJet maintain their fleets on-site at ORD/MDW.

• AAR, Aviall, Aeronautical Electric, and similar aviation companies provide parts, inspection, MRO, and logistics.

🧰 Other Aviation Employers

• CDA (Chicago Department of Aviation) – Oversees policy, operations, infrastructure, and development for ORD & MDW

• Cargo logistics firms – Alliance Ground International, DACHSER, Swissport, Unifi and more support freight and baggage operations.

• Security & staffing – Companies like Covenant Aviation and PrimeFlight Aviation Services handle checkpoint and facility security.

🏷 Career Opportunities by Sector

💡 Insights & Trends

• Fuel & sustainability: The push to SAF, led by Southwest-Valero, signals growth in green fuel roles Security tech upgrades: CBP's new Enhanced Passenger Processing system indicates innovation in customs processing.

• GA expansion: PWK continues developing its GA & charter ecosystem, driven by FBOs and general aviation demand.

✨ Conclusion

Chicago’s aviation landscape is a robust network offering opportunities across passenger airlines, cargo, security, GA, charter, infrastructure, and fuel services. From the mega‑hubs of ORD and MDW to intimate GA fields like PWK, the metro is a thriving environment for aviation professionals.