CHICAGO, 2012-07-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — United Airlines announced five new international and domestic air service routes from O’Hare International Airport; a new O’Hare United Airport lounge; new jet bridges in Terminal 2; a new inline baggage system in Terminal 1 and a new medical clinic for United employees who work at O’Hare. See the full United news release here.
The new air service includes:
- Chicago to Monterrey, Mexico, daily service effective December 19, 2012
- Chicago to Nassau, Bahamas, weekly (Saturday) peak-season service effective February 9, 2013
- Chicago to Thunder Bay, Canada, daily service effective February 14, 2013
- Chicago to Jackson, Miss., daily service effective November 4, 2012
- Chicago to Anchorage, Alaska, daily peak winter service (December 19 through January 2) in addition to existing daily summer service.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino joined United Airlines in making these exciting announcements.
“Chicago is one of the most accessible cities in the world, and United’s continued commitment to expanding its presence here creates jobs and economic opportunity for our residents and attracts more business and leisure visitors to the city,” said Mayor Emanuel. “This is a terrific step forward for the city as we continue to grow as a destination for business, tourism, culture and entertainment.”
“United’s addition of new and expanded service to its already robust schedule is a win for travelers and for Chicago,” said Andolino. “These new routes provide more choices for passengers and enhance the overall Chicago travel market. What’s more, travelers coming to and from these destinations will be well-served by O’Hare’s strong connecting passenger traffic to other U.S. and international destinations.”
The new destinations revealed this week follow United’s announcement earlier this year that it will start new daily service from Chicago to Sarasota, Florida beginning on November 4, 2012.
In addition to new service, United is investing in several upgrades to facilities at O’Hare.
The first is the installation of new passenger loading bridges at United Express gates in Terminal 2, so customers can board regional aircraft directly from the terminal safely and comfortably. The total investment in this project will be $13 million. Construction on these gates started in May 2012. The first gates will be finished by mid-July and full completion (10 gates) is expected by mid-2013.
Second, United is building the first new United Club at Terminal 2. The club will measure 12,500 square feet, triple the size of the existing club in the terminal. This project will be completed in the fourth quarter of this year, at a cost of $10 million.
Third, United is building a medical clinic for its employees at O’Hare. The clinic will allow employees to get medical attention as well as routine check-ups and emergency care. The project is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2012, at a cost of $2 million.
In addition, United and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are investing in improvements to the T1, Concourse B Terminal inline baggage system at O’Hare. The project will provide operational and security upgrades to the existing baggage system. The total project cost is $19.5 million with United contributing $2 million and the remainder funded by TSA.
“These critical investments will make O’Hare a more modern, competitive airport for our residents,” said Mayor Emanuel. “We continue to work to attract visitors and facilitate travel to and from Chicago, and these improvements by United will help us in this important mission.”
“We applaud the new and enhanced amenities and services that United Airlines is adding to O’Hare for both its passengers and its employees,” added Andolino. “Providing a world-class experience to our customers while focusing on safety and security have always been high priorities for the Chicago Department of Aviation. We’re pleased to work with our partner United Airlines in making the investments and upgrades necessary to achieve those goals.”
###