McDonald's Corporation lands at DuPage after a quick hop from Chicago Midway

McDonald's Corporation flew from Chicago Midway International Airport to DuPage Airport on May 17, 2026, a short 18-minute hop covering just 31 miles. The Gulfstream G600, tail number N1955M, reached a maximum altitude of 3,125 feet and a top ground speed of 224.9 knots.

The same week, McDonald's Corporation reported first-quarter 2026 earnings that beat analyst expectations, with global same-store sales rising 3.8% and U.S. same-store sales climbing 3.9%, per a CNBC report on May 7. CEO Chris Kempczinski cited "value leadership, breakthrough marketing, and menu innovation" as drivers, per a company press release, while the chain launched its Under $3 Menu in April and a new McCafé beverage line in May to attract budget-conscious customers amid rising gas prices tied to the U.S.-Iran conflict.

This flight follows a pattern of short hops between Chicago-area airports—the aircraft had flown from DuPage to Midway earlier on May 17, and from Midway to DuPage on May 15 and May 8. The brief trip likely involved a crew repositioning or a local executive movement, with the corporate jet's home base remaining at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.