For Immediate Release:
December 7, 2000

Contact Information:
Monique Bond
773-686-3700/312-839-3194

The Chicago Airport System Launches A New And Improved Interactive Aviation Web Site
(CHICAGO) December 7, 2000 - The City of Chicago Department of Aviation announced today the release of it's new Aviation web site: www.chicagoairports.com. The new graphically enhanced, interactive site includes more than 400 pages of useful and interesting information for the traveling public, employees, and aviation industry community members.

The web site consists of five (5) areas: Department of Aviation Home Page, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Midway Airport, Meigs Field, and the Community Noise Center. Travel and tourism information with illustrated terminal maps, parking rates and information about ground transportation can be quickly accessed. Airline gate locations and web site links, passenger services and amenities, and U.S. Customs information for international travelers are key elements instrumental to airport user's needs. The Department of Aviation also has pages dedicated to job postings, business opportunities and press releases.

"The new and improved web site enhances our ability to provide interactive global services to our customers," said Aviation Commissioner Thomas R. Walker. "Users can more efficiently plan ahead by getting airport information online from their desktop computer, at home or at work," he added.

The web site also includes a history lesson of Chicago's airports. Descriptive and interesting information, such as real-time weather in Chicago, a live web cam, airport facts and figures, a children's page, photo and exhibit galleries, and a complete listing of the airports' widely acclaimed food, beverage and retail offerings.

"We intend on making this a dynamic site with daily updates and new services for our online customers. A customized flight information system, real-time audio of the ParkNet radio stations, streaming video tours of the airport and major enhancements to the children's page are all in the works," according to Walker. The airport will also provide on-airport access to the site through public access kiosks, to be installed throughout the airport terminals.

The new web site was designed in partnership with the City's Department of Business and Information Systems. The City anticipates creating a tourism portal, including the new Aviation web site as one of the cornerstones.

"This is one of the many outstanding projects that the City has underway, as part of an overall e-Government strategy," said Business and Information Systems Commissioner Chris O'Brien. "Our goal is to bring information to the people through technology."

The Chicago Airport System is committed to making the traveler's experience an enjoyable and convenient one, providing users with a comprehensive and informative venue to learn about the services and amenities the airports have to offer.

The new Aviation web site can be reached on the Internet using a variety of URL addresses: