St. Louis Downtown Airport Strengthened Role as Regional Economic Engine in 2025

Date Posted: January 27, 2026

Posted In: Projects, Transportation Resources,

St. Louis Downtown Airport (KCPS), a general aviation airport in St. Clair County, Illinois, reported continued tenant investment and infrastructure activity in 2025, alongside ongoing workforce development efforts tied to the region’s aviation and aerospace sector.

Several tenant investments during the year complemented the airport’s own capital program. Among the most recent is a new corporate hangar on the airport’s west side developed by aircraft management company Gateway Jets. The facility includes 100-foot bi-fold doors and is designed to accommodate up to five Citation aircraft.

Gulfstream Expansion

The Gateway Jets project follows Gulfstream Aerospace’s $30 million expansion of its completions and outfitting operations at the airport, which was completed in 2025. The expansion added equipment and machinery and supports a workforce that now exceeds 700 employees. Gulfstream’s operations at KCPS include maintenance, repair, overhaul and completions, including the outfitting of new business jets.

“Here at St. Louis Downtown Airport, our tenants are expanding their operations,” said Airport Director Sandra Shore. “These investments reflect continued demand for the airport and its services.”

KCPS also advanced several capital improvement projects in 2025. The airport completed $1.1 million in improvements to a primary access road serving airport facilities and employees. Work is underway on the Taxiway Bravo reconstruction project. Phase one, focused on drainage and site improvements, is nearing completion at a cost of $2.5 million. Phase two, a $14 million reconstruction of 3,500 feet of taxiway, is scheduled to begin this spring. A third phase, reconstructing the remaining 3,500 feet, is planned for 2027. Total project costs are estimated at $25 to $30 million. The airport is expected to remain operational throughout construction.

The airport has also secured $3.6 million in state funding for a new general aviation terminal. Construction is planned to begin in mid-2026 and will replace the existing 55-year-old terminal. The project is expected to take approximately one year, with airport operations continuing during construction.

Workforce Development

Workforce development remained an area of focus in 2025 as aviation activity in the region continues. KCPS worked with Saint Louis University and Southwestern Illinois College on summer camps, academies and outreach events, including Girls in Aviation Day.

In October, the airport partnered with SLU’s Flying Billikens to host the National Intercollegiate Flying Association’s Region VI and VIII SAFECON event. Ten collegiate teams from across the Midwest competed in navigation, landing and other flight-skill exercises. Top teams will advance to the national competition scheduled for May 2026.

Located in Cahokia Heights and the Village of Sauget, St. Louis Downtown Airport supports more than 25 tenants. According to airport data, the airport and its tenants generate more than $422 million in annual economic activity and support more than 1,500 jobs.

St. Louis Downtown Airport is owned and operated by Bi-State Development. More information is available at www.stlouisdowntownairport.com.