Quad Cities International Airport

What Quad Cities International Airport does

Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) is a government-owned, public-use commercial airport operated by the Metropolitan Airport Authority of Rock Island County, Illinois, and located in Moline, Illinois. The airport serves as the primary air travel gateway for the Quad Cities region spanning Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, handling commercial passenger service via four airline partners — Allegiant, American, Delta, and United — with nonstop routes to destinations including Chicago O'Hare, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Charlotte, Atlanta, Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando-Sanford, Phoenix-Mesa, Punta Gorda, Sarasota, and St. Pete-Clearwater. Beyond scheduled passenger service, MLI supports general aviation, charter operations, and a significant air cargo business anchored by its wholly-owned subsidiary QCIA Airport Services, LLC, which provides ground handling, warehousing, Jet-A fueling, and mechanical maintenance on a 395,500 sq ft cargo ramp adjacent to Foreign Trade Zone #133.

The airport's core technology stack includes a modern baggage handling facility, a 1.9 MW solar panel installation covering 50% of annual energy consumption, and recently deployed operational systems including InterTalk's Enlite Cloud Dispatch platform and a license-plate recognition automated parking system replacing the legacy Flash Parking infrastructure. Infrastructure includes three runways (10,000 ft, 7,300 ft, and 3,500 ft), approximately 2,000 parking spaces, and a 7,000+ sq ft Cargo Building 2 with eight loading docks. Project GATEWAY, a multi-phase $40-60M terminal renovation program, is transforming the landside with modernized ticketing, baggage handling, restrooms, and dining/retail.

MLI generates revenue through a diversified set of streams: landing fees charged to signatory airlines ($2.84 per 1,000 lbs of aircraft gross landing weight), passenger facility charges, parking operations (premium $18/day, economy $9/day), rental car commissions from eight on-site brands, hangar rentals ($135-190/month), air cargo fees, in-airport advertising reaching nearly one million annual travelers, business lounge memberships ($50/year), and security badging fees. Capital is funded through a combination of FAA entitlement grants, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocations, airport-generated revenue, and private financing partnerships such as the WCP Financials solar arrangement.

Name

Quad Cities International Airport

Legal name

Metropolitan Airport Authority of Rock Island County, Illinois

Website

https://qcairport.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1922

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) is a government-owned regional airport in Moline, Illinois, operated by the Metropolitan Airport Authority of Rock Island County, serving Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois with commercial flights via Allegiant, American, Delta, and United, plus general aviation, charter, cargo, and parking services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Airport Operations and Aviation Services

NAICS

Airport Operations (48811), Other Airport Operations (488119), Other Support Activities for Air Transportation (488190)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)

akta.pro primary industry

Aviation Infrastructure Agencies (Public Airports, Airfield Ops, Ground Access) (BPAIALAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Airport Ground Transport Terminals (Rail/Bus/Coach) (THAIALAG)

Keywords

• Commercial airport operations
• Passenger air travel
• Air cargo services
• General aviation support
• Aviation infrastructure

Headquarters

HQ city

Moline

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Infrastructure, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Passenger Fees and Airline Charges: Landing fees charged to airlines ($2.84 per 1,000 lbs aircraft gross landing weight for signatory carriers), passenger facility charges, and airline rates and charges for terminal access.
2. Parking Operations: Public parking revenue from premium and economy lots with nearly 2,000 spaces. Daily rates: Premium $18, Economy $9. Weekly rates available.
3. Rental Car Commissions: On-site rental car companies (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, National, Alamo) with counters in terminal near baggage claim.
4. Air Cargo Services: Ground handling, warehousing, logistics, and Jet-A fueling services through QCIA Airport Services. Hand carry box service fees ($150/event) and forklift shipment fees.
5. Hangar and Facility Rentals: Monthly hangar rentals ranging from $135 (small international) to $190 (large standard) plus utilities. Executive hangars and office/storage spaces available.
6. Advertising and Media: In-airport advertising opportunities including backlits, digital displays, baggage claim tall backlits, concourse signage, kiosks, atrium banners, and exhibition spaces reaching nearly one million annual travelers.
7. Business Lounge Membership: IMEG Business Lounge membership for $50/year offering workspace, WiFi, complimentary beverages, located on Concourse B.
8. Security Badging: Security badge issuance fees: $100 for SIDA/Sterile badge, $50 for GA/AOA badge, $55 fingerprinting fee, replacement fees for lost/broken badges.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) is a publicly-owned regional commercial airport in Moline, Illinois that provides passenger airline services via Allegiant, American, Delta, and United, along with parking, rental cars, ground transportation, business lounge, and dining/retail. It also provides general aviation and business services including FBO support, air cargo handling, charter operations, hangar rentals, fueling, security badging, and land leasing for aviation businesses. The airport operates three runways (10,000 ft, 7,300 ft, 3,500 ft), supports a 395,500-square-foot cargo ramp with Foreign Trade Zone #133 proximity, and is undergoing multi-phase terminal modernization under Project GATEWAY.

Product overview

Quad Cities International Airport operates as a regional commercial airport offering passenger air travel services, ground transportation, and aviation business operations. The airport provides a portfolio of services organized into passenger-facing amenities (parking, rental cars, ground transportation, business lounge, art gallery), airline services (commercial flights via Allegiant, American, Delta, United to nonstop destinations and hubs), and general/commercial aviation support (FBO, air cargo, charter, fueling, hangar rentals, security badging, crew parking, land leasing). Project GATEWAY is an ongoing multi-phase terminal renovation program. The airport recently deployed a new automated parking system with license-plate recognition technology and implemented InterTalk's Enlite Cloud Dispatch system for emergency response automation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Public Parking Services
• Rental Car Services
• Ground Transportation Services
• IMEG Business Lounge
• Quad City Arts Art Gallery
• Air Cargo Services
• Charter Services
• FBO Services
• Fueling Services
• Security Badging Services
• Hangar Rentals
• Guest Services & Accessibility
• TSA Security Services
• Nonstop Commercial Airline Service
• Flight Information Services
• Land Leasing
• In-Airport Advertising

Quantifiable outcome

• 50% of airport energy from solar panels, saving $600,000+ over 25 years
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• InterTalk Critical Information SystemscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 August 2025Deployed Enlite Cloud Dispatch system at Quad Cities International Airport under a dispatch-as-a-service model. The system enables one-touch macro actions that automate emergency notifications, text messages, garage door controls, and camera feed switching, reducing dispatcher workload and speeding up response times. Initial installation includes two operator workstations.
• MortensoncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConstruction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for Project GATEWAY terminal renovation program. Leading the multi-year construction project with local team members and subcontractor partners. Partnered with Davenport-based Bush Construction and Chicago-based R.M. Chin & Associates.
• AlliiancecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMinneapolis-based architecture firm selected for terminal redesign and master planning. Has worked with airports globally including Cedar Rapids, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Louisville, Grand Rapids, and Memphis. Led schematic design of new ticketing counters, workspaces, breakrooms, and offices.
• Estes ConstructioncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConstruction Manager at Risk for Phase 2 of Project GATEWAY. Leading construction effort alongside regional trade partners through an IMPACT agreement.
• Mead & HuntcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNationally respected aviation designers leading the architectural vision for Project GATEWAY Phase 2.
• MindFire CommunicationscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLeClaire, Iowa-based full-service marketing agency selected to support branding and marketing initiatives. Provides brand development, media services, public relations, research, strategic planning, and website development. Team of 22 individuals serving local, national, and global clients.
• SkyDinecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNew food and beverage concessionaire selected for the airport as part of Project GATEWAY improvements to refresh the restaurant and gift shop with more grab-and-go and healthy options.
• Elliott AviationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOn-site FBO providing aircraft sales, maintenance, paint, interior refurbishment, FBO services, and charter. 70 years of innovation with access fees applicable for users.
• QCIA Airport Services, LLCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProvides complete air cargo services including ground handling, warehousing, logistics, competitive Jet-A fueling, and on-site mechanical maintenance and repair equipment.
• Flying EaglesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNon-profit flying club with 3 airplanes located at the airport. Offers experience flying your own aircraft for students and licensed pilots.
• Flying Country ClubminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAviation co-op located at the airport with a mixed fleet of four aircraft. Multiple membership levels for those learning to fly or with existing pilot licenses.
• Quad City ArtsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNonprofit local arts agency operating the bimonthly Art at the Airport gallery showcasing regional artists. Gallery located before TSA security checkpoint. Support provided by Illinois Arts Council, The Cultural Trust, and T-Fiber.
• Rental Car Companies (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, National, Alamo)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOn-site rental car companies with counters in terminal near baggage claim between exits 6 and 7. Return lot located directly east of terminal.
• METRO (Quad Cities transit)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPublic transportation via Route 20 Blue stopping in front of terminal across from door 6 twice hourly. Service 6:10am-6:10pm Mon-Fri, 8:40am-6:10pm Sat. On-demand service available outside hours.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Eastern Iowa Airport (CID): Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids is the closest direct peer: a similarly sized Midwest regional airport serving a comparable catchment (Cedar Rapids/Iowa City) with overlapping nonstop destinations, Allegiant presence, and BIL-funded terminal upgrades. Comparable in scale, governance (airport commission), and route mix.
• Bloomington Normal (Central Illinois Regional Airport, BMI): Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal is a small Illinois regional airport with similar nonstop destination mix, Allegiant leisure service, and general-aviation/FBO operations—a near-direct comparable in size and operating model.
• Dane County Regional Airport (MSN): Madison's Dane County Regional Airport is a similarly structured Midwest regional airport authority with comparable passenger volumes, hub-carrier service, parking-driven non-airline revenue, and ongoing terminal renovation. Comparable in scale and operational model to MLI.
• Peoria International Airport (PIA): Peoria International Airport is a comparable small-to-mid-size Illinois regional airport with Allegiant leisure routes, multiple hub carrier service, similar cargo/general-aviation facilities, and a recent capital improvement program—directly comparable in scale, market position, and infrastructure profile to Quad Cities.
• Springfield Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI): Springfield's Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport is a comparable Illinois state-capital regional airport with similar carrier mix, terminal upgrade program, and FBO/cargo services—directly parallel in operating model and target market.
• Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ): Dubuque Regional Airport is a small Eastern Iowa regional airport with parallel market dynamics (Allegiant, regional hub service), supporting its own catchment adjacent to MLI's—directly comparable in scale and route structure.

Broad incumbents

• Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE): Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is a larger Midwest airport operated by a similar county-level airport authority structure with overlapping airline service (Allegiant, network carriers), and competes for some Quad Cities catchment travelers—broader incumbent with similar governance.

Regional players

• Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD): Chicago Rockford International Airport is a Northern Illinois regional airport competing in the broader Quad Cities catchment with significant cargo operations (Amazon Air) and similar Allegiant leisure service—relevant for both passenger and cargo competitive dynamics.
• Des Moines International Airport (DSM): Des Moines International Airport is a larger Iowa regional hub competing for the same Western Illinois / Eastern Iowa catchment; it has a similar airline partner profile (Allegiant + network carriers), cargo infrastructure, and ongoing terminal modernization—making it the most direct larger-market peer.

Others

• AvPORTS: AvPORTS is a private airport operations and management company that runs FBOs, terminals, and airfield operations at multiple US airports—an adjacent peer in the airport-operations-services space rather than a direct competitor, useful as a comparable for outsourced airport management models and FBO service delivery.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/qcairport
• Instagraminstagram.com/qcairport
• Xx.com/qcairport

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Quad Cities International Airport