United Airlines Holdings Inc. and American Airlines Group Inc. have finally settled on an $8.5 billion revamp plan for Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. This agreement comes after a series of disagreements over escalating costs and delays in the project implementation, which was initially announced in 2018.
Both airlines, along with the city of Chicago, have acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead in ensuring that the project is completed within the allocated budget. American Airlines emphasized the difficulties that may arise but expressed their commitment to collaborating to overcome them.
As part of the agreement, the construction of the airport revamp will happen in phases, with a focus on building one of the two satellite concourses initially. The Global Terminal, which is seen as a crucial element in upgrading O’Hare to a global standard, will also undergo phased construction.
United Airlines highlighted the significance of the Global Terminal in the overall modernization plan for O’Hare. The new phasing strategy aims to expedite the delivery of important features of the project, ensuring a quicker transformation of the airport.
While the full scope of the agreement is yet to be disclosed by the city or the airlines, there is uncertainty regarding the inclusion of a 25% gate increase that was previously part of the project. Senator Tammy Duckworth emphasized the importance of achieving this target to enhance the airport’s capacity.
The agreement between United Airlines and American Airlines for the O’Hare International Airport revamp signifies a significant milestone in the project’s progress. Despite the challenges ahead, the commitment of all parties involved to work together towards a successful completion is commendable. As the construction moves forward in phases, the focus on essential elements such as the Global Terminal reflects the shared vision to elevate O’Hare to a world-class standard.