Published on : Saturday, May 12, 2018
The city is calling this initiative the first step in the airport’s massive $8.7 billion expansion plan. The 41,0000square-foot L concourse gate expansion project was constructed in 20 months.
It represents an investment worth $78 million from American Airlines.
These new gates would serve large regional flights and expand American’s gate total at O’Hare to 71 from 66, according to Leslie Scott, spokeswoman for American.
The ceremony was attended by Doug Parker, CEO of the airlines.
The new American gates would go a long way in helping improve on timely performance, offer greater space for concessions and upgrade connections for domestic and international flights as per the airline and the city.
Last week, American had introduced new service to Venice, Italy and Vancouver, British Columbia.
This new gate investment had been announced in early 2016 and is part of a $1.3 billion infrastructure plan at the airport that is separate from the larger $8.7 billion project.
Chicago Aviation Department Commissioner Ginger Evans has repeatedly stressed that the airport must be ready for a busier future. She said Friday that the airline industry globally will continue to expand and O’Hare needs to be prepared.