![]()
?(Image from Bult Field's website)(Editor's Note: Due to some sort of site update with the Illinois DOT and how Google interpreted it, the link that generated this story as being published recently. More than one of us here missed the date printed on the release. And we weren't the only aviation news outlet to take the bait. The info is from 2014. However, discussions among readers on social media showed that the topic is still relevant. So we're leaving it up and owning our mistake. This has also prompted us to reach out to IDOT, and we hope to publish a version that updates the project's fate soon.)The Illinois Department of Transportation announced (a long time ago) the acquisition of Bult Field Airport (C56) as part of the development plan for the South Suburban Airport.
The acquisition includes 288 acres, a 5,000-foot runway, a taxiway, hangars, a terminal and additional farmland surrounding the airfield. In total, the deal cost $34 million.
"This acquisition marks a defining milestone for the South Suburban Airport," said Susan R. Shea, IDOT's Director of Aeronautics. "The Bults are true aviation enthusiasts who built one of the finest general aviation airports in the country. This ownership transition will be as seamless as possible for airport users, while fulfilling our long-standing promise to make the South Suburban Airport a reality."
RELATED STORIES:
Bombardier to expand U.S. service and support network through multiple phases
Ladybird Jet launches with first flights scheduled for Labor Day weekend
WingX and TRAQPak analytics report for global flight activity for July
Bult Field will continue to operate as a general aviation airport until the South Suburban Airport is opened. Once the new airport is operational, Bult Field will operate its general aviation and corporate services. Multiple acquisitions have been made in developing the airport.
Of the approximately 5,800 acres needed for the airport, more than 3,500 have been purchased. IDOT states that it is working with the FAA to create an airport master plan and finish the environmental approval process for the project.