O'Hare International Airport is critical to the competitive strength of businesses and the productivity of workers. The O'Hare 21 modernization program, which began in 2018, aims to deliver major capital improvements to the airport. Two key projects remain: the construction of a new Global Terminal that will connect domestic and international flights in one location and add more than 30 gates, and the construction of two satellite concourses that will provide 1.3 million square feet in gate and amenity space. The City of Chicago officials announced a plan to change the order of construction and 'fast-track' the Global Terminal. Completing the O'Hare 21 program is expected to generate $18 billion in economic activity and create almost 100,000 local jobs by 2033. The program will also improve travel times and have long-lasting positive effects on the Chicago area. The infrastructure plan has already improved O'Hare's on-time performance by 3% relative to its peers. The agreement to clear the O'Hare 21 modernization plan for takeoff is expected to deliver a good return on investment for passengers, taxpayers, and the regional economy.
Norfolk International Airport in Virginia is also embarking on a major capital project. The airport will break ground on a new U.S. Customs facility and expansion to Concourse A, marking the first step in a multi-year, $1 billion capital project. The U.S. Customs inspection facility will be located next to the airport's north short-term parking lot and the Concourse A expansion will include three new gates. The projects are anticipated to take about 15 to 18 months to construct. The new gates will accommodate future flights and larger airplanes. The airport is expected to have a record-breaking year for passengers. The airport's vision includes the addition of direct international commercial flights. Frontier Airlines recently began nonstop service between Norfolk and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The new Customs facility could lead to more international flights, with destinations such as Cancun, Montego Bay, and European cities. Other planned additions to the airport include an on-site hotel, a major add-on to the main terminal building, and a rental car facility and parking deck.
The O'Hare 21 modernization program and the Norfolk International Airport capital project are both significant infrastructure initiatives that aim to improve airport facilities, enhance the passenger experience, and support economic growth in their respective regions.