New Passenger Conveniences to Open at Midway Airport
Expanded ticket counters, baggage claim areas and easy roadfront access
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(Chicago)-February 27, 2001-The Midway Airport Terminal Development Program reaches another key milestone with the opening of the new Midway Airport Terminal building on March 7th. The Terminal, which was scheduled to open by the end of the first quarter of 2001, will feature passenger conveniences like expanded ticket counters and baggage claim areas, a state of the art baggage system and convenient roadfront access.
"We are pleased with the progress of the Midway Airport Terminal Development Program," said Commissioner Thomas R. Walker. "The new Terminal will offer greater efficiency for the airlines and provide the conveniences and services travelers expect from the nation's premier point-to-point airport."
Construction will continue on the new concessions triangle, concourses and gate areas. Also scheduled to open in 2001 are new shops and restaurants, a new customs facility and security checkpoint. Previous milestones include the relocation of Cicero Avenue, the new Parking Garage and Pedestrian Bridge.
"Passengers should be aware that Midway Airport will still be under construction for several more years," said Commissioner Walker. "Throughout this phased development, we will continue to maintain all airport operations while greatly improving the traveler's experience."
Since the Midway Airport Terminal Development Program first broke ground in 1997, nine additional airlines have signed on as signatory airlines bringing the total to thirteen showing their commitment to Midway Airport and the City of Chicago. In addition, Midway Airport continues to experience record-breaking growth and remains one of the fastest growing airports in the nation.
In order to accommodate the nine additional airlines and growing passenger demands, the Terminal Development Program has expanded its scope. The Terminal Development Program now features additional passenger conveniences like more curbside check-in facilities, extension of the upper and lower level canopy on the terminal roadway, increased landscaping around the airport and enhancements to the concessions triangle.
Costs associated with each of the thirteen signatory airlines also include enhancements to airline gate areas and ticket counters. To accommodate these additional new improvements, Midway Airport Terminal Development Program budget was increased by 4% from $761 million to $793 million.
With all funding coming from airport revenue bonds and federal grants, no local or state tax dollars are being used.
All Midway's airline partners have pledged their support to the Terminal Development Program. Southwest Airlines, ATA, Northwest and Continental Airlines were the first airlines to commit to the Midway Airport Terminal Development Program.
The Terminal Development Program will be completed in 2004 with the opening of the new 41 gate concourses. The Program continues to make a significant impact to the region, generating 94,000 temporary and permanent jobs and will contribute nearly $4 billion in economic development.
