Chicago Rockford International Airport MRO at Dusk

Chicago Rockford International Airport MRO Aerial 2

Chicago Rockford International Airport MRO at Dusk

Development on a Fast-Track

A New Large Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Facility (MRO)

Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) | Rockford, IL

The Chicago-Rockford Airport has been increasingly successful in attracting development like the AAR MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facility, now among just a few facilities in the nation capable of handling the largest of aircraft. From concept to ribbon cutting, Crawford, Murphy & Tilly (CMT) provided key support through planning, agency coordination and processing, funding assistance and civil/site design. The project’s biggest challenge was ensuring  the new facility would be operational within 14 months of a tenant signing a new lease. The intense schedule required many tight deadlines and changes to our design to accommodate the design-build delivery method.

The facility includes two large structures roughly 10 stories in height, each capable of accommodating a Boeing 747–8 aircraft or  Airbus A380 aircraft, with an airside apron also designed for large aircraft. The two structures are separated in the middle by office and shop space. An auto parking lot and access facilities accommodates 400 to 500 automobiles and employees per day.

The CMT team started working on the new maintenance facility with initial project conceptual layouts, cost estimates and site selection alternatives. Next, extensive preliminary design, planning, environmental review, layouts and cost evaluations were completed. To ensure a cost-effective design, our team traveled to Boston and Louisiana to look at similar facilities, and to discuss facility features and requirements with large maintenance operation stakeholders.

Project Contact(s)

Brian Welker, PE, Dan Pape, PE

Project Award(s)

  • American Council of Engineering Companies - Illinois, Honor Award 2018

Project Service(s)

  • Design and Construction Engineering
  • Economic Development
  • Electrical/NAVAIDs
  • Environmental Services
  • Funding Assistance
  • Planning
  • Program Development
  • Permitting, Regulatory Coordination and Compliance
  • Site Due Diligence
  • Stormwater Management