It’s been 115 years since humans began taking flight, and since then, people have worked to travel farther, faster and safer (both in and out of the atmosphere). From parts and craft manufacturers to companies insuring those putting crafts into the air, the aerospace industry has a broad range of players. Check out these nine aerospace tech companies working to keep us flying high.
Top Aerospace Companies in Chicago
- Gogo, an Intelsat Company
- Boeing
- Chicago Jet Group
- Global Aerospace
- Jet Support Services
- OpenAirplane
- Northstar Aerospace
- Priester Aviation
- Skypan International
Founded: 1964
What they do: Gogo, a division of Intelsat, operates the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial network providing global inflight WiFi services. The company’s network allows travelers to instantly access live TV, stream video and listen to music while also offering connected aircraft services that provide airlines with real-time flight information, opportunities to streamline information and generate new revenue streams.
Founded: 1916
What they do: Boeing is the leading manufacturer of aerospace crafts and security systems. From the common commercial planes that most of us have flown in at some point, to satellites and surveillance aircrafts, the company serves both industry and the government. Founded in Seattle over a century ago, Boeing has since found a home in Chicago’s West Loop.
Founded: 2003
What they do: Chicago Jet Group supplies the corporate aviation industry with charters, aircraft management, repairs, maintenance, evaluations and more. Based in Sugar Grove with additional locations in New York and Atlanta, the company’s mission is to provide the safest transportation in the air.
Founded: 2001
What they do: Global Aerospace provides insurance and risk management solutions to the aviation and aerospace industries. Covering a wide range of risks, the company offers insurance for needs ranging from spacecrafts and satellites to unmanned aircrafts. Though headquartered in London, the company has multiple international offices, including one in Chicago.
Founded: 1989
What they do: Jet Support Services Inc. manages maintenance services for aircraft engines and airframes. From business and commercial aviation to helicopters and government crafts, JSSI works with all kinds of clients. In addition to supplying insurance services and engine leases, they also boast a comprehensive inventory of parts.
Founded: 2012
What they do: OpenAirplane’s mission is to simplify airplane rentals for pilots, making it as easy to rent a plane as it is to rent a car. The company also enables plane owners and operators to easily rent out their planes, utilize fleets and be more profitable.
Founded: 2002
What they do: Northstar Aerospace provides components and assemblies to aerospace companies and organizations around the world. Working with clients like The Boeing Company and General Electric Aviation, the Bedford Park-based company manufactures a variety of products including rotorcraft drive systems, gears and transmissions.
Founded: 1945
What they do: Based in Wheeling, Priester Aviation is a veteran in the field of aircraft charters, consulting and management. Their global fleet ranges from light jets to ultra long-range crafts and their services include end-to-end management of private aircrafts. With safety at the forefront of their business, Priester takes serious care in the crewing and maintenance of their planes.
Founded: 1988
What they do: Skypan International uses aerial technology to supply panoramic photography to multiple industries. Used for a variety of purposes ranging from architectural designs to VR and 3D animations, the company’s remote-piloted vehicles provide high-quality, aerial photos and videos.
