Purpose:  The IPAA Serves as an exchange center for information about airports, airport facilities and activities.  The open and valuable communications occurs via meetings, regularly-published newsletters to members, and special bulletins.

History:  In 1954, the Illinois Public Airports Association (IPAA) was organized by a group of business and civic leaders to promote the development, construction and maintenance of publicly-owned airports throughout the state.  The association has emerged as an effective bipartisan political force on the state level, promoting proposals beneficial to public aviation and defeating harmful measures.  Eventually, members realized a need to broaden the scope of the airport-centered alliance.  In 1970, an associate membership was opened to individuals or companies who are affiliated with aviation.  Today, the IPAA is the largest group of its kind in the nation.  It is the most active state organization representing all segments of public aviation.