Gary/Chicago International Airport Approves 10-Year Lease with Sage-Popovich to Occupy New East Corporate Hangar

The Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY) Authority Board on Nov. 13, approved a 10-year lease with Indiana-based Sage-Popovich to occupy the airport’s new East Corporate Hangar.  The Board approved construction of the near 25,000 square foot hangar in March 2018 to meet growing tenant and user demand at the airport.

“Sage-Popovich has operated out of the airport for more than two decades.  The Airport Board is pleased to enter into this direct, long-term lease with the company to occupy our new East Corporate Hangar for the next decade and hopefully beyond.  Indeed, if you build it, they will fill it,” said GYY Authority Board Chairman Tim Fesko.

The lease includes two 5-year extension options.  Construction of the new hangar began this summer and expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2019.

“The entire Sage-Popovich flight department is thrilled to enter this new phase of our expansion with a new home at the Gary/Chicago International Airport,” added Sage-Popovich President Nick Popovich.  “It has been amazing to see the growth of the airport over the past two decades and we are happy to be just a small part of that amazing transformation.  We are looking forward to continuing the long-standing relationship with the airport and the two FBOs on the field.”

The addition of a new East Corporate Hangar is the latest investment and major service enhancement in a series of capital improvements at the airport.

Since GYY extended its main runway in 2014 to 8,859 feet - giving GYY the second longest runway in the region after O’Hare – the airport has experienced an increase in operations and usage by larger, heavier aircraft traveling to destinations further away.  During this time, operations are up by more than 15 percent, fuel flowage revenue is up 82 percent, and revenue from landing fees is up by more than 140 percent.

In October, the airport officially opened a new U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Facility at the airport, allowing airport users to fly directly into GYY from anywhere in the world without having to clear customs elsewhere.

Additionally, the airport’s private sector partners have invested more than $22 million into their own operations, opened three new 30,000+ square foot aircraft hangars and have plans for more.

Phil Mullins of Gary, Indiana was also welcomed to the GYY Board as its newest commissioner during today’s meeting.  Mullins is Lake County’s appointment to the GYY Board and replaces former GYY Commissioner Ron McColly.

Commissioner Mullins has been involved in leadership training and grassroots advocacy efforts for more than 30 years.  He has served as both an organizer and chief strategist on civic campaigns and initiatives spanning an array of policy areas.   Today, Mullins is retired and consulting with New Civics Strategies, LLC.