Says Last Minute Deal Gives United An Unfair Advantage At O'Hare

A deal described as "last minute" made by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to expand O'Hare International Airport is drawing fire from American Airlines, saying it gives an unfair competitive advantage to rival United Airlines.

Emanuel announced the expansion plans in a news release and on Twitter on Wednesday. "Today we introduced a historic plan to transform O'Hare International Airport and create billions in economic development," he said on the social media platform.

Emanuel said that the $8.5 billion project will create tens of thousands of jobs and transform O’Hare International Airport with the biggest terminal expansion ever, adding 25 percent more gate capacity, modernizing existing terminals and improving passengers’ experience.

“This plan is not just a game changer for O’Hare, it is a turning point for Chicago that will create tens of thousands of jobs for Chicagoans and strengthen our great city’s position as a national and global leader in travel, tourism and trade for generations,” said Mayor Emanuel. “My goal is to make O’Hare the best airport in the country, and I want to thank our airline partners for recognizing the value of this investment. We are looking forward to moving full steam ahead on this transformational plan that represents a watershed moment in Chicago’s economic future.”

While several of the airlines, including United, praised the plan in the news release, American Airlines blasted the plan, comparing it to another Chicago Airport controversy, according to Fox News. "What this deal is, basically, is a bulldozing at the midnight hour of a level playing field at O'Hare," said Dennis Tajer, a member of the Allied Pilots Association. "It's endorsing a monopoly with United, and it's not good for our passengers."

(Image from Rahm Emanuel tweet)

FMI: www.cityofchicago.org, Original report