Chicago O'Hare Airport Update: Mayor Brandon Johnson unveils the design of Satellite Halls 1 and 2 in the Global Terminal

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago O'Hare Airport expansion and modernization project took another step forward Tuesday when Mayor Brandon Johnson joined the Department of Aviation to unveil the design of O'Hare Satellite Terminal 1.

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Satellite 1 will include new gate lounges, retail stores, seating areas and other amenities. Other design elements include a skylight roof and a floating walkway.

“This is a once-in-a-generation expansion,” Johnson said. “It's an opportunity to show the city of Chicago's bright future.”

It's the first major element in an expansion and modernization project known as the O'Hare 21 Terminal Area Plan that aims to change the face of the major airport.

The project will add 19 new gates as an extension of the existing Concourse C. Executives from United and American Airlines reached an agreement with the city to rebuild Terminal 2 earlier this month, and celebrated the plans.

See also | Inside Chicago O'Hare Airport's $8.5 billion renovation

“This phased plan will prioritize replacing small regional gateways with major international gateways with international capacity,” said United Airlines' Brandon Real Estate Show Vice President.

“We are committed to working together at a steady pace to preserve O'Hare and its position as an important connectivity hub in our global network,” said American Airlines Executive Vice President Nate Gatten.

The multi-billion-dollar project has been partly funded by airlines and is expected to create about 3,800 jobs.

Read also | United and American Airlines have reached an agreement with the city to rebuild Terminal 2 at O'Hare Airport

Work began in March 2023 with the construction of several temporary walkways.

“This is at the heart of operations for each of our carriers, so working directly with them and making sure we're minimizing those operational impacts and doing so most cost-effectively is our goal over the next several months,” said Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Jimmy Rhee.

The current schedule calls for completion of Concourse 1 as an extension of Concourse C in 2028, according to website.

If the budget allows, the construction of a second satellite lobby and a tunnel connecting it with the first satellite lobby will be completed.