Chicago: Voices Of Community Support For The Groundbreaking Of The New Concourse D At O’Hare International Airport
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CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago are proud to work alongside elected officials and civic leaders to deliver the next phase of growth at O'Hare International Airport. The following statements reflect the broad support for Concourse D and the benefits it will bring to passengers, workers, and the region.

"O'Hare keeps millions of Americans connected with reliable air travel. By improving and modernizing its infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for increased connectivity and reliability," said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). "Today's groundbreaking on The New Concourse D will enhance the travel experience for passengers and I will continue working on the federal level to ensure Illinois airports have the necessary resources to keep passengers safe and connected."

"O'Hare is a critical economic engine for our state and the source of jobs for so many in our region — this historic expansion will ensure the airport continues to deliver for Illinoisans," said U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). "The eighth-busiest airport in the world growing its gate capacity is a no-brainer for airlines, flight crews and passengers alike. I'm proud to see this project break ground and get O'Hare that much closer to making air travel smoother, safer and more reliable for the flying public."

"O'Hare is Chicago's front door for so many visitors and an engine for economic growth," said Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL), whose district includes O'Hare. "Concourse D's new gate capacity builds on years of work to grow O'Hare and shows the strong partnership between the city and our hub carriers. It is critical that Concourse D and the entire ORDNext development plan move forward expeditiously to ensure O'Hare remains a leading global airport."

"O'Hare Airport is critical to driving our local economy and connecting Chicago to the global community. The New Concourse D will improve the infrastructure of our airport and provide increased passenger safety, comfort, and dependability for everyone visiting our city," said Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (D-IL), whose district includes O'Hare. "I am proud to work with an intergovernmental coalition dedicated to bringing more resources to our communities."

"As Chairman of the City Council Committee on Aviation, I am proud to partner with Mayor Johnson, Commissioner McMurray, and the CDA team to advance the next phase of growth at O'Hare," said Ald. Matt O'Shea, 19th Ward. "As the first major development underway through ORDNext, Concourse D will enhance the travel experience for millions of passengers and create thousands of well-paying jobs for our residents. This project reflects the City Council's commitment to keeping Chicago at the forefront of global aviation while ensuring our economic growth is inclusive and sustainable for years to come."

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"Concourse D is more than an airport expansion — it's a statement about Chicago's future," said Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago. "Global companies choose cities that make bold, long-term investments in infrastructure. This transformative project strengthens our competitive edge, expands our reach and reputation as a global hub, and underscores Chicago's commitment to creating the connections, capacity, and world-class experience that drive business, talent, and economic growth."

"I am excited to see work begin on the Concourse D expansion at O'Hare, which will solidify our city and our region as an economic powerhouse," said Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter. "The project will provide thousands of good union construction jobs over its length, and aid permanent job growth for our region."

"Today's groundbreaking marks a major milestone in the transformation of O'Hare International Airport," said Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago. "As we work hard to enhance Chicago's position in the competitive visitor economy, an investment like this is a game-changer and another example of how Chicago is never done and never outdone. I want to thank Mayor Johnson, our partners at the Chicago Department of Aviation, United Airlines, and American Airlines, for their visionary leadership and investment in this project that will have profound impact on our ability to attract visitors from around the world."

"O'Hare is a pillar of our regional economy and critical to Chicago's success, connecting businesses to markets worldwide, driving tourism, and supporting thousands of jobs. The expansion of O'Hare is an investment in our future, our workforce, and our competitiveness in the global economy," said Jack Lavin, President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. "We commend the mayor, the commissioner of aviation, local leaders, and the airlines for their leadership, vision, and partnership that helped move forward this important and long-awaited milestone. By working together to modernize this vital gateway, we are strengthening Chicago's status as the nation's most connected city and ensuring we remain a world-class business and tourism destination for decades to come."

"The Chicago region has long been a central hub for getting things, and more importantly people, where they need to go. O'Hare is that ecosystem's driving force and a critical asset for a thriving city," said Derek Douglas, President of the Civic Committee and the

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Commercial Club of Chicago
. "With the modernized terminals, more gate capacity, and thoughtful infrastructure this project promises, we're really unlocking a new level of potential. It not only positions our business community to compete on a more efficient, connected global stage but also creates opportunities for all Chicagoans with new jobs and possibilities for growth. Today's an exciting day for Chicago's future."

"O'Hare plays a key role in Chicago's hospitality industry as the first welcome point for millions of visitors from across the country and around the globe. This expansion and improvement project is critical to ensure the continued success and growth of our travel sector, which generates economic investment, creates jobs and fosters cultural institutions in neighborhoods across the city," said Michael Jacobson, President & CEO, Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association. "Hotels are excited by this important step forward and are eager to show travelers what makes Chicago such an inviting destination."

"Concourse D represents the next generation of airport infrastructure," said Jason Kopp, COO of the Central Region for AECOM Hunt, a member of the joint venture AECOM Hunt Clayco Bowa (AHCB) building Concourse D. "With our deep industry and aviation sector expertise, our team comprised of AECOM Hunt, Clayco and BOWA Construction is committed to bringing this vision to life — safely, on schedule, and with minimal disruptions to airport operations. This concourse isn't just about expanding capacity — it's about building smarter, more sustainable, future-ready infrastructure and a space that will elevate the passenger experience at O'Hare for decades to come."

"This project is not merely about constructing gates; it's a resounding declaration by the City of Chicago of its commitment to maintaining O'Hare as a world-class global hub," said Otto Nichols, Executive Vice President at Clayco, a member of the AHCB joint venture. "Since the inception of O'Hare 21, we have been honored to collaborate closely with the City, ensuring that small businesses and residents are connected to opportunities at O'Hare. This new concourse builds upon that solid foundation, setting the stage to revolutionize the future of travel in Chicago."

"Concourse D is more than just gates and expanded square footage — it's a statement about Chicago's ambition and our commitment to world-class development in aviation," said Nosa Ehimwenman, President and CEO of BOWA Construction, a member of the AHCB joint venture. "This project will enhance the travel experience and strengthen O'Hare's role as a global gateway. BOWA is proud to be a part of this construction team and project."

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