How St. Louis Downtown Airport Became a Regional Economic Powerhouse in 2025
[ST. LOUIS/January 27, 2026] St. Louis Downtown Airport (KCPS) is a premier general aviation hub just minutes from the Gateway Arch in St. Clair County. In 2025, the St Louis Downtown Airport Illinois solidified its role as a massive economic engine for the region. Throughout the year, the airport saw major tenant investments and vital infrastructure upgrades. Furthermore, it continued to be an active player in workforce development and industry attraction.
St Louis Downtown Airport Illinois Sees Major Tenant Investment
In 2025, the airport welcomed significant investments from its tenants. These projects strengthened the ability of St Louis Downtown Airport Illinois to meet rising demand. Consequently, it remains a top destination for business aviation.
One of the most recent wins is a new corporate hangar facility. Opened on the airportās west side by aircraft management company Gateway Jets, this state-of-the-art building features 100-foot bi-fold doors. It can easily house up to five Citation aircraft.
This project follows Gulfstream Aerospaceās massive $30 million expansion. Gulfstream celebrated the completion of its outfitting operations at the airport in May 2025. This investment brought in new equipment and machinery to support a growing workforce. In fact, that workforce now exceeds 700 employees. Gulfstreamās operations here cover maintenance, repair, overhaul, and completions. The facility supports the completion of brand-new business jets right from the heart of the Midwest.
āHere at St Louis Downtown Airport Illinois, our tenants are thriving, and many are expanding their operations,ā said Airport Director Sandra Shore. āThese investments reflect the confidence businesses have in KCPS as a critical gateway for the region and a strategic location for growth.ā
This growth aligns with broader trends in the area, as St. Louis reinforces its position as a leading global freight hub.
Infrastructure Upgrades at St Louis Downtown Airport Illinois
Alongside tenant projects, KCPS is pushing forward with several major capital improvements. Recently, the airport finished $1.1 million in upgrades to a key access road. This improved connectivity for the airport and the more than 700 employees who work onsite.
Additionally, work is moving fast on the Taxiway Bravo reconstruction project. Phase one, which includes drainage and site work, is wrapping up now at a cost of $2.5 million. Phase two begins this spring. This $14 million phase will reconstruct 3,500 feet of taxiway. Finally, phase three will reconstruct the remaining 3,500 feet in 2027. The total investment will likely reach between $25 and $30 million, with completion set for late 2027. Most importantly, the airport will stay fully open during construction.
Shore also noted that the airport secured $3.6 million in state funding for a new general aviation terminal. Construction is set to start in mid-2026. This project involves tearing down the 55-year-old terminal. In its place, they will build a modern facility that better fits the needs of todayās aviation customers. Just like the taxiway project, the airport will remain open during the year-long construction.
āAll of these improvements ensure we can continue to serve our customers well into the future,ā Shore noted. āWeāre building the infrastructure that supports growth and strengthens our position as a leader in business aviation.ā
Workforce Development in the Metro East Region
Workforce development remained a top priority for St Louis Downtown Airport Illinois in 2025. The regionās aerospace and aviation industry continues to grow, and the airport is helping lead the charge.
The airport teamed up with St. Louis University (SLU) and Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) on summer camps and academies. They also hosted events like Girls in Aviation Day to inspire youth to explore careers in this vibrant field.
In October, KCPS partnered with SLUās Flying Billikens to host a major collegiate event. The National Intercollegiate Flying Associationās (NIFA) 2025 Region VI and VIII SAFECON event welcomed ten teams from across the Midwest. Competitors showed off their skills in navigation, landings, and other aviation tasks. Winners from this local event will move on to the national competition in May 2026. This focus on local events mirrors other regional activities, such as when the Air Classic returns to the Metro East.
Economic Impact of St Louis Downtown Airport Illinois
Located in Cahokia Heights and the Village of Sauget in Southwestern Illinois, St Louis Downtown Airport Illinois serves as the regionās front door for business aviation. It supports more than 25 tenants.
Together, the airport and its tenants generate more than $422 million in annual economic impact. They also sustain well over 1,500 jobs.
āWith its strategic location and robust infrastructure, St Louis Downtown Airport Illinois continues to attract investment and jobs, reinforcing its role as a vital contributor to the regional economy,ā said Mary Lamie, executive vice president of Multimodal Enterprises for Bi-State Development. Bi-State owns and operates the airport as one of its enterprises. āKCPS is more than an airportāitās an economic powerhouse and a catalyst for growth.ā
To learn more about the airport, visit www.stlouisdowntownairport.com.
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