🇺🇸 Wilmington Airpark

Wilmington Airpark (KILN (ILN)) is a public-use airport and aviation business park located two nautical miles southeast of downtown Wilmington, in Clinton County, central Ohio, United States.

Type of Facility and Operations: Wilmington Airpark is primarily a cargo-focused airport and a key logistics hub, particularly for Amazon Air operations. It is considered Ohio's highest-volume cargo airport and ranks among the top three cargo-focused airports in the United States. The facility supports a diverse tenant base involved in aviation manufacturing, maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and logistics. The airport also provides flexibility in landing schedules, ample apron space, and on-site aircraft maintenance.

Notable Features and History: Established in 1929 by local aviation enthusiasts, the site became the Clinton County Army Air Field during World War II, serving as a training base. It later operated as Clinton County Air Force Base before being decommissioned in 1972 and renamed the Wilmington Industrial Air Park. In the 1980s and 1990s, it evolved into a significant cargo powerhouse under Airborne Express and then DHL until 2008. In 2010, the airfield was donated to the Clinton County Port Authority. The airpark features two concrete runways: one measuring 10,701 by 150 feet (3,262 x 46 m) and another at 9,000 by 150 feet (2,743 x 46 m), capable of accommodating 747-class aircraft. It also boasts a CAT III instrument landing system.

Current Status: As of 2024, Wilmington Airpark continues to be a vital air cargo and logistics hub, processing hundreds of millions of pounds of freight annually. It has received significant infrastructure investments, including a state grant in 2024 for runway upgrades. The airpark encompasses over 1,900 acres with nearly 3 million square feet of industrial, office, and hangar space, employing approximately 4,600 people across 14 companies. It is a focus city for Amazon Air and remains the top cargo airport in Ohio.