What's Happening in Champaign, IL…

The University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana is ready to put a plan for Willard Airport in place.

The university's chancellor, Phyllis Wise, accepts the report of an advisory group that has been working on issues related to the airport, and is ready to move forward.

Wise requested that the group should consider how to market the airport more effectively, increase air service, improve ground transport, and consider other problems. Steve Carter, who is the chairman of the advisory group, said one of his goals is to outline what they could reasonably expect to accomplish in various stages of time, such as three-month periods, and track that progress.

One of the group's first recommendations is to create an advisory board for the airport, with special attention to management issues. The group suggested the university should look for a management team, and if no qualified firms step forward, then the university could hire a chief executive who can negotiate with airlines, and handle other airport business, though this is not a long-term solution.

Willard Airport was created by the university, which still owns it, and provides an annual subsidy to keep it operating. The goal now is to increase usage of the field by airlines and passengers alike.

The university could work with brochure printers on a booklet to give to airlines, transportation companies, and others who will service the improved airport in future.