New Airlines to Fly at O’Hare
(CHICAGO) May, 2000 – The Chicago Department of Aviation announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation has approved five new entrant airlines at O'Hare International Airport. Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater granted slot exemptions to America West/Mesa Airlines, National Airlines, Legend Airlines, Sun Country Airlines and Spirit Airlines.
"We are very pleased to have these new airlines at O'Hare International Airport. A total of 54 carriers will be flying to 200 markets from O'Hare when all of the new airlines begin service," said Chicago Aviation Commissioner Thomas R. Walker. "We welcome the new airlines to our already competitive market. Now our region's travelers will have even more choices when they fly from O'Hare for business or pleasure." Walker added that along with increasing opportunities for new carriers, lifting of the "slot rule" should also increase foreign air service and increase service to small- and mid-sized communities.
The entry of the new airlines was made possible by the lifting of the "slot rule," which artificially limited hourly flights at O'Hare. The rule was lifted with passage of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century ("AIR 21").
America West/Mesa will have nine flights daily to Las Vegas and Columbus, Ohio. National Airlines will serve Las Vegas five times a day. Legend Airlines will have four daily flights to Dallas Love Field. Sun Country will fly daily to Minneapolis/St. Paul. Spirit Airlines will have six daily flights to cities in Florida and South Carolina.
