The aircraft manufacturing industry in Illinois encompasses a vibrant and diverse array of companies. Ranging from parts suppliers and MRO service providers to specialists in advanced aircraft solutions, these firms play a critical role within both the commercial and military sectors. Based in a state with a robust aviation history, these companies contribute to Illinois’ reputation as a hub for innovative technologies and services within the aerospace industry. Regardless of the specific services or products they offer, all of these businesses help usher in the future of aviation.


Top 22 aircraft manufacturing companies in Illinois

1. Aar

  • Website: aarcorp.com
  • Headquarters: Wood Dale, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1951
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Latest funding type: Post Ipo Debt
  • LinkedIn

AAR Corp is a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs. They offer parts supply, MRO services, integrated solutions, and mobility systems.


2. Skandia Inc

  • Website: skandiainc.com
  • Headquarters: Davis Junction, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1983
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Latest funding type: Acquired
  • LinkedIn

Skandia Inc is a company specializing in the manufacturing and distribution of aircraft thermal/acoustic materials, foam products, and upholstery supplies. They offer a comprehensive selection of insulation strip blankets, overframe blankets, carpet padding, and seating foam for various aircraft models. Skandia also provides flammability testing and certification as well as acoustic analysis services. With over 40 years of success in the industry, Skandia is a trusted supplier for the aviation sector.


3. Skyworks Global Inc

Skyworks Aeronautics Corp is a provider of advanced vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft solutions, including the VertiJet™, specialized for commercial and military use.


4. AIRO (The AIRO Group)

The AIRO Group is an aerospace and defense company that leverages its decades of industry expertise across the aviation, avionics, uncrewed air systems and services, and space markets to provide best-in-class products and services uniquely capable of addressing a wide spectrum of aerospace markets.


5. Kaney Aerospace

Kaney Aerospace is an aerospace company that provides lab testing, engineering services, and manufacturing capabilities for the aviation industry.


6. XLCS Partners, Inc.

XLCS Partners is an independent investment banking firm that provides M&A advisory, capital raising, and debt advisory services for select clients globally.


7. Aerographics

AeroGraphics is an aircraft graphics company that specializes in producing paint masks and vinyl decals. They offer a wide variety of colors and have the ability to cut graphics up to 60 inches tall. Their decals are made to order, allowing for size and color customization. AeroGraphics also provides lettering for various applications, including aircraft labeling without a background. They strive for quality output and customer satisfaction, offering layout previews and prompt customer service.


8. Elliott Technologies

Elliott Technologies offers customizable preset mood settings for aircraft cabins with electronically dimmable inner window panes and full-color spectrum mood lighting controlled through a mobile app and existing controls.


9. LAUNCH Technical Workforce Solutions

  • Website: launchtws.com
  • Headquarters: Oak Brook, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 2011
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Latest funding type: Private Equity
  • LinkedIn

LAUNCH is a premier source for technical workforce solutions, providing staffing and project-based solutions for aviation, manufacturing, and ground transportation companies. They offer access to a wide range of aviation jobs, aircraft maintenance work, and diesel technician jobs, helping professionals take their careers to the next level.


10. Midwest Aero Support, Inc.

Midwest Aero Support is a company that provides quality repair and electronic manufacturing services for commercial aircraft worldwide. With a state-of-the-art facility in Machesney Park, Illinois, they are capable of handling any repair or manufacturing project. They have partnered with over 60 airlines and numerous clients globally, and their work consistently meets or exceeds client expectations.


11. Virtual Reality Company - VR Training Company - Augmented Reality Company - InfiVR.com

  • Website: infivr.com
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 2018
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn

InfiVR is a leading virtual reality (VR) company offering immersive solutions for industries like healthcare, defense, and manufacturing. With a focus on VR training and simulations, they provide innovative AR/VR/Metaverse technology and tools that enhance operational efficiency and improve safety. InfiVR's scalable offerings are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing systems and workflows, making it easy for companies to adopt and apply their VR solutions.


12. Arrow Gear Company

  • Website: arrowgear.com
  • Headquarters: Downers Grove, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1947
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn

Arrow Gear is a precision gear manufacturer that offers a wide range of gears, including bevel, spur, and helical gears. They also provide curvic couplings and complete gear drives. With expertise in bevel gear manufacturing, they cater to defense and commercial customers in industries like aviation, aerospace, government/defense, food, and medical. Their products meet stringent customer requirements for both aerospace and commercial applications.


13. Jet Air, Inc.

  • Website: jetairinc.com
  • Headquarters: Galesburg, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1969
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

Jet Air, Inc. is a company based in Galesburg, Iowa City, and Burlington. They offer a range of services including FBO, Charters, Aircraft Sales, Maintenance, and Management.


14. Kranze Technology Solutions, Inc.

  • Website: kranzetech.com
  • Headquarters: Des Plaines, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 2008
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

Kranze Technology Solutions, Inc. is a company specializing in defense and commercial solutions, offering expertise in aircraft survivability, digital interoperability, networking, integration, and installation for Fighters, Helicopters, Transports, and Unmanned Air Vehicles.


15. Flightcheck Commercial Aviation Services

  • Website: flightcheck.us
  • Headquarters: Bensenville, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 2004
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Latest funding type: Series Unknown
  • LinkedIn

Flightcheck Commercial Aviation Services is an aircraft maintenance provider and the largest commercial line maintenance provider in the Chicago area. They offer technical handling, aircraft de-icing, and limited ground handling services to over 25 domestic and international airlines at various airports. With extensive experience and highly trained personnel, Flightcheck ensures efficient and cost-effective operations while prioritizing aircraft safety.


16. Setna iO

  • Website: setnaio.com
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 2016
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

Setna iO is a global component support company that provides 24-hour AOG service to its customers. They offer a wide range of parts and quality services to keep businesses operating smoothly.


17. Elite Electronic Engineering, Inc.

  • Website: elitetest.com
  • Headquarters: Downers Grove, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1954
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

Elite Electronic Engineering is a recognized leader in North America since 1954, offering EMI/EMC testing, Environmental Stress testing, Photometric testing, and related product development services. They provide comprehensive testing services under one roof, from small components to entire vehicles. With a team of motivated engineers and state-of-the-art facilities, Elite is ready to tackle any challenging project.


18. Anchor Harvey

Anchor Harvey is a data-driven aluminum forging company with a century-long legacy in precision manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain management in the USA.


19. Driv-Lok, Inc.

  • Website: driv-lok.com
  • Headquarters: Sycamore, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1940
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Latest funding type: Acquired
  • LinkedIn

DRIV-LOK is a healthcare equipment manufacturer known for its customization and quality. With over 70 years of ingenuity, the company provides reliable and safe solutions to industries such as automotive, aerospace, and sports & recreation. DRIV-LOK offers a wide range of products, including grooved pins, spring pins, and dowel pins, that are trusted by design engineers and preferred distributors for their fastening needs. Their exclusive methodology, EngiNomics™, combines the expertise of their engineers with high-quality design and production, helping manufacturers achieve more.


20. Techmates Group (TMG.io)

  • Website: tmg.io
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 2014
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

TMG is a digital experience team that specializes in commerce, customer experience management, and UX strategy and implementation. They work with companies like Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and Maytag to modernize their business challenges through technology. TMG is known for their expertise in digital transformation and their commitment to delivering fully integrated digital commerce solutions.


21. Volo Aviation/Emery Air

Volo Aviation is a company offering aviation services and solutions.


22. Prime Air, A HEICO Company

  • Website: primeair.com
  • Headquarters: Skokie, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

Prime Air is a leading worldwide supplier of quality aircraft components and services for all civil aircraft and engine platforms. With over 25 years of experience, Prime Air offers 24/7 AOG support and is an Asset Management Specialist within the HEICO Repair Group family. They provide ASA-100 and FAA 00-56B certified parts and have a Wheel and Brake Division. Contact them at their headquarters in Skokie, IL or at their regional offices in Europe and Miami.


Want to find more aircraft manufacturing companies?


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...and a lot more!