American and United Airlines Support Renovations at O’Hare International Airport
American Airlines and United Airlines have given their backing to extensive renovations at O’Hare International Airport, paving the way for a major rebuilding project to move forward. This comes after Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson made crucial revisions to the construction schedule.
Revised Construction Plan
The airport’s largest carriers, American and United, have endorsed the Terminal Area Project (TAP) following proposed changes to the construction order by the city. According to the Chicago Tribune, the new plan involves accelerating work on the new Global Terminal, slated to replace Terminal 2, while delaying the construction of two satellite concourses.
Statements from Airlines
American Airlines, in a statement, commended Mayor Johnson “for his commitment to phase the project in a way that prioritizes the Global Terminal and the most impactful elements of TAP…”
United Airlines also released a statement expressing satisfaction with the phasing plan proposed by Mayor Johnson and his aviation department, ensuring that TAP funds are allocated to the mission-critical portions of the program.
Previous Concerns
Both airlines had previously raised concerns about escalating construction costs and aimed to safeguard the new terminal against future budgetary issues. Amid tensions, Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, along with members of the state’s Congressional Delegation, urged the Department of Transportation to intervene and facilitate discussions among O’Hare stakeholders.
Relief Over Agreement
Durbin and Duckworth issued a joint statement, expressing relief over the agreement reached on Friday evening.
