✈️ Countdown to KUGN’s In-House FBO Takeover
Waukegan National Airport announced on August 24, 2026, that North Shore Jet Center will take over FBO operations at KUGN on October 1 and join the Avfuel Network, providing Avfuel fuel, payment, and rewards services. This change applies only to the FBO, not to the airport’s operating rights. The project’s launch arrangements were disclosed on August 11, 2026, when the Waukegan Port District appointed Steve Bowlin as general manager, responsible for developing and launching the new FBO. During the initial takeover phase, the existing terminal will remain in use, followed by renovations over the subsequent year. A new administration terminal is planned for 2031, with construction costs expected to be supported by incremental revenue generated during the first five years of in-house FBO operations. Avi-Go data show that during the 35 days from July 22 through August 25, 2026, KUGN recorded 687 business aircraft movements, including 356 departures and 331 arrivals, averaging approximately 19.6 movements per day. This can serve as a recent throughput baseline ahead of the October takeover.
Impact: The short-window volume of 687 movements provides North Shore Jet Center with a direct reference for initial-phase staffing, fuel replenishment, and Avfuel payment services. Keeping the existing terminal operational while renovations proceed will also require the operator to schedule construction while maintaining customer traffic flows. Revenue from in-house operations will also be tied to the 2031 new-terminal plan, and actual fuel sales, aircraft parking demand, and service revenue after the takeover will become important operational benchmarks for advancing the project.
Recommendation: North Shore Jet Center can use the recent 35-day average of approximately 19.6 movements per day to develop its initial staffing and fuel replenishment plans beginning October 1, and, after the Avfuel system goes live, track business aircraft movements, fuel volumes, parking duration, and customer utilization rates monthly. A key point to monitor is whether these metrics can provide a stable reference for the renovation schedule over the following year and the funding arrangements for the new terminal planned for 2031.