by Donald Wood
Last updated: 11:55 AM ET, Thu March 1, 2018
After plans to expand Chicago's O'Hare International Airport were revealed Monday, officials from American Airlines announced the carrier's opposition to the proposal due to a "secret provision" that would benefit United Airlines.
According to The Associated Press, American believes the $8.5 billion expansion plan proposed by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel Wednesday will undermine competition by awarding more gates to United by the time the project is completed in 2026.
In response, Mayor Emanuel's spokesman Adam Collins said the expansion would benefit every airline serving O'Hare airport and help Chicago grow as a top destination for travelers. The plan would call for the construction of a new global terminal, improvements to existing runways and the creation of an estimated 60,000 jobs.
United officials responded by calling American's accusations "disingenuous," saying that both carriers were aware of a deal signed in 2016 to add five new gates at the Chicago airport.
"The United gate deal would undermine competition, allowing the largest airline at O'Hare to expand its size advantage for years into the future," an American spokesperson told The AP. "Thus, the United gate deal creates a clear winner, United, and clear losers: namely, competition, Chicago travelers and American Airlines."
American revealed that it would sign a lease at O'Hare if the proposal was altered to remove the current United provision or a stipulation was added that would require the construction of three new gates and award them to American.
The current eight-year plan would be the largest and most expensive terminal revamp in the history of the Chicago airport. Authorities are aiming to increase the number of international flights and create more room for domestic carriers.
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