Southern Illinois Airport readies 200 aircraft for the solar eclipse

Friday, April 5, 2024

As the eclipse approaches, local businesses and organizations, including the Southern Illinois Airport in Jackson County, are making extensive preparations. The airport is anticipating the arrival of more than 500 visitors for a weekend filled with engaging activities. Alyssa Connell, the airport’s manager, highlighted the ongoing efforts to rearrange and securely store over 200 aircraft to accommodate the event, emphasizing that safety is a paramount concern in all airport operations. As part of these preparations, one runway will be temporarily repurposed to park the planes, and airport personnel, from ground crews to air traffic controllers, have conducted drills to ensure smooth handling of the increased traffic.

Connell detailed the meticulous planning involved in guiding pilots from landing to parking, aiming for a seamless integration into the event’s logistics. Todd Jahnke, associated with maintenance and operations at the airport, noted the contribution of volunteers from SIU’s Aviation program and mentioned a dedicated shuttle team that will transport visitors around the airport, providing information about the event and facilitating registration.

Amanda Schroeder from Flightline expressed excitement over welcoming attendees from across the county, including some who returned after experiencing the 2017 eclipse, with a special concert planned for Sunday evening to entertain guests and pilots alike.

The airport has acknowledged a maximum capacity for aircraft, indicating a well-organized approach to managing the influx of visitors and planes. This preparation showcases the airport’s commitment to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for eclipse viewers, reflecting on the broader implications for the airline industry. Such events demonstrate the capacity of airports to host large-scale events, offering a blueprint for combining aviation operations with community engagement, potentially inspiring similar initiatives at other airports worldwide.

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