Willow Run Airport

Willow Run Airport is a public airport located in Van Buren Township, Michigan, and is owned by Wayne County, Michigan. The airport is operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority, which also operates Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records show that the airport had 143,919 aircraft operations in 2019, with 55% being general aviation and 45% being air taxi and military. The airport is also home to the University of Michigan's College of Engineering and the Michigan Aeronautics Commission.

● Overview

The airport serves as a reliever airport for Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and is a popular destination for general aviation and business aviation. The airport is located near the Interstate 94 and Interstate 275 highways, making it easily accessible by car. The airport is also close to the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, and Wayne State University, making it a convenient option for students and faculty. The airport has a long history, dating back to World War II, when it was used as a manufacturing site for B-24 Liberator bombers by the Ford Motor Company.

● History

The airport was built in 1942 as a United States Army Air Forces base, and was used for the production of B-24 Liberator bombers during World War II. The airport was also used as a training base for United States Army Air Forces pilots, and was home to the Army Air Forces Training Command. After the war, the airport was converted to a public airport, and was used for general aviation and commercial aviation. The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including the addition of a new air traffic control tower in 2001, designed by HNTB. The airport has also been used as a base for National Guard and United States Army Reserve units, including the 126th Airlift Wing and the 317th Airlift Group.

● Facilities

The airport has two asphalt runways, including a 7,500-foot runway and a 5,000-foot runway. The airport also has a number of hangars and maintenance facilities, including a fixed-base operator (FBO) operated by Signature Flight Support. The airport is also home to a number of aviation schools and flight training programs, including the University of Michigan's College of Engineering and the Michigan Institute of Aviation and Technology. The airport has a number of aircraft based on the field, including Cessna 172s, Piper PA-28s, and Beechcraft Bonanzas, and is a popular destination for airshows and aviation events, including the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the Sun 'n Fun.

● Operations

The airport is operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the airport. The airport is also served by a number of airlines, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines, which offer flights to destinations such as Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport. The airport is also a popular destination for cargo and freight operations, with companies such as FedEx and UPS operating at the airport. The airport has a number of security measures in place, including Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening and air traffic control services provided by the Federal Aviation Administration.

● Environmental Impact

The airport has a number of environmental initiatives in place, including a sustainability plan and a recycling program. The airport has also implemented a number of noise reduction measures, including a noise abatement program and a curfew on nighttime flights. The airport is also home to a number of wildlife habitats, including a wetland area and a prairie restoration project, which are managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The airport has also partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce its carbon footprint and implement sustainable practices, such as the use of renewable energy and energy-efficient lighting. The airport's efforts have been recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration and the International Air Transport Association, and have earned the airport a number of awards and certifications, including the Airport Carbon Accreditation and the ISO 14001 certification. Category:Airports in Michigan