01. Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD)

ORD

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) stands as one of the world’s most significant aviation hubs, a sprawling transportation complex that has shaped global air travel since the jet age began. From its innovative design concepts to its status as a crucial connection point between continents, O’Hare epitomizes the evolution of modern aviation infrastructure while serving as Chicago’s gateway to the world.

Aviation Pioneer: The History of O’Hare International Airport

O’Hare’s origins trace back to 1945, when the site northwest of Chicago was selected for development as the city’s new airport. The facility began as an airfield serving a Douglas manufacturing plant that produced C-54 military transport aircraft during World War II. In 1949, the airport was renamed in honor of Lieutenant Commander Edward “Butch” O’Hare, the U.S. Navy’s first flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient during World War II. Interestingly, the airport’s IATA code (ORD) bears no connection to its current name, as it derives from the location’s original name: Orchard Field.

Commercial passenger service at O’Hare began in 1955, though growth was initially slow as Chicago’s Midway Airport continued to handle most of the city’s air traffic. This dynamic changed dramatically with the introduction of jet aircraft in the late 1950s. O’Hare saw its first scheduled jet service when an American Airlines Boeing 707 landed on March 22, 1959. The one-square-mile Midway Airport lacked the space needed for the longer runways required by these new jets, forcing airlines to relocate their operations to the more spacious O’Hare.

The airport underwent rapid expansion during this period. O’Hare’s first international terminal opened in August 1958, and by April 1959, the airport had grown to 7,200 acres with new terminals, hangars, and other facilities. The Kennedy Expressway, connecting the airport to downtown Chicago, was completed in 1960, and new Terminals 2 and 3 opened on January 1, 1962.

As airlines consolidated their operations at O’Hare, passenger numbers surged. By 1961, O’Hare had become the second-busiest airport in the United States. In 1962, after the last fixed-wing scheduled passenger flight departed Midway, O’Hare emerged as Chicago’s primary commercial airport. The airport gained global prominence in 1963 when it surpassed New York’s Idlewild (now JFK) to become the world’s busiest airport by passenger traffic, a distinction it would hold for 35 years until 1998.

Following airline deregulation in 1978, O’Hare’s role as a major connecting hub was solidified when both United Airlines and American Airlines established significant hub operations there, which continue to this day. Other carriers such as TWA, Northwest, and Delta had previously maintained hubs at O’Hare but eventually shifted their operations elsewhere.

By the Numbers: O’Hare Stats

O’Hare’s position as a global aviation powerhouse is reflected in its impressive statistics:

  • Covers approximately 7,627 acres (3,087 hectares) of land
  • Features 8 runways in its current configuration
  • Handled 919,704 aircraft movements in 2019, averaging 2,520 per day, making it the world’s busiest airport by aircraft movements
  • Serves approximately 80 million passengers annually
  • Connects travelers to destinations across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania
  • Home to major hubs for both United Airlines and American Airlines
  • Operating base for Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines
  • Houses four passenger terminals with a total of over 190 gates
  • Employs thousands of workers across various airport operations
  • Features more than 60 food and retail establishments
  • Handles over a million tons of cargo annually
  • Contributes billions to the regional economy

Design Innovations: O’Hare’s Architectural Legacy

As the first major airport planned after World War II, O’Hare pioneered numerous concepts that would become standard at airports worldwide. The original design by architect C.F. Murphy included innovations such as:

  • Concourse structures with wings extending from a central terminal
  • Direct highway access to the terminal front
  • Underground refueling systems
  • Direct rail access from downtown
  • The world’s first jet bridges (installed in 1958)
  • Adaptation of slip form paving for seamless concrete runways

These revolutionary design elements established a template for modern airport construction that continues to influence aviation infrastructure globally. The airport’s layout has evolved over decades but maintains its focus on efficient aircraft and passenger movement through a vast, interconnected complex.

Terminal Facilities: O’Hare’s Passenger Experience

O’Hare International Airport currently operates four passenger terminals, each serving different airlines and routes:

  1. Terminal 1: Designed by renowned architect Helmut Jahn and opened in the mid-1980s, Terminal 1 primarily serves United Airlines with Concourses B and C (gates B1-B24 and C1-C31). Known for its distinctive architecture, this “Terminal for Tomorrow” remains a primary domestic and international gateway for United passengers.
  2. Terminal 2: Houses Concourses E and F (gates E1-E17 and F1-F22) and serves primarily Delta Air Lines and Air Canada, along with some United Express flights. This terminal connects to Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 via indoor walkways.
  3. Terminal 3: The largest terminal with four concourses – G, H, K, and L (gates G1A-G21, H1-H18, K1-K20, and L1A-L27) – primarily serves American Airlines for both domestic and international operations. This terminal underwent significant expansion in the late 1980s to accommodate American’s growing presence.
  4. Terminal 5: Originally opened in 1993 as the International Terminal, Terminal 5 features Concourse M (gates M1-M40) and handles most international arrivals and departures. The terminal has undergone recent modernization and expansion to improve the passenger experience.

The terminals are connected by the Airport Transit System (ATS), a free automated people mover that also provides access to remote parking facilities and the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) where rental car operations are consolidated. Terminal Transfer Buses (TTB) also provide connections between security areas of different terminals.

Each terminal offers a range of amenities including restaurants, shops, lounges, and services designed to enhance the passenger experience. Recent terminal modernization efforts have focused on updating facilities, improving technology integration, and enhancing the overall aesthetic of the airport.

Airlines and Destinations: O’Hare’s Global Reach

O’Hare serves as a crucial global aviation hub, with service from numerous domestic and international carriers:

  • Major Hub Operations: United Airlines and American Airlines both maintain significant hub operations at O’Hare, with United using Terminal 1 and American using Terminal 3 as their primary facilities.
  • Domestic Carriers: In addition to United and American, O’Hare hosts flights from major U.S. carriers including Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and JetBlue Airways.
  • International Airlines: Dozens of international carriers serve O’Hare, including Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air France, All Nippon Airways, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Japan Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, and many others.
  • Destination Coverage: From O’Hare, passengers can reach virtually every corner of the United States as well as major cities across six continents. The airport’s strategic location in the central United States makes it an ideal connecting point for travelers moving between the East and West Coasts or between North America and international destinations.

Ground Transportation: Accessing O’Hare

O’Hare offers extensive ground transportation options connecting the airport to Chicago and the surrounding region:

  • Highway Access: Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway) provides direct access to the airport, connecting to Interstate 90 and downtown Chicago.
  • Public Transit: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line “L” train connects O’Hare directly to downtown Chicago, with service operating 24 hours a day.
  • Regional Transit: Metra commuter rail service connects to the airport via shuttle buses from nearby stations.
  • Bus Service: Multiple regional and intercity bus services operate to and from O’Hare.
  • Taxi and Rideshare: Dedicated pickup and drop-off zones for taxis and rideshare services are located at each terminal.
  • Rental Cars: The Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) houses all rental car operations, connected to the terminals via the ATS people mover.
  • Parking: Multiple parking options include short-term garage parking adjacent to terminals, long-term economy lots, and cell phone waiting lots for those picking up arriving passengers.

Looking Ahead: O’Hare’s Future

O’Hare is currently undergoing one of the most ambitious airport expansion and modernization programs in the United States. The O’Hare 21 project, a multi-billion dollar capital improvement plan, aims to transform the airport for the 21st century with several major components:

  • Terminal Area Plan: A complete reconfiguration of the terminal core, including the demolition of Terminal 2 and its replacement with a new Global Terminal designed to handle both domestic and international operations seamlessly.
  • Satellite Concourses: Two new satellite concourses connected to the main terminal via underground tunnels will add dozens of new gates.
  • Runway Modernization: The ongoing reconfiguration of O’Hare’s runway system from its original intersecting layout to a more efficient parallel configuration is improving capacity and reducing delays.
  • Infrastructure Improvements: Upgrades to roadways, public transportation access, and other essential infrastructure will enhance the overall airport experience.
  • Sustainability Initiatives: New facilities are being designed with environmental sustainability as a priority, including energy-efficient systems, alternative fuel usage, and improved waste management.

These improvements are expected to increase O’Hare’s capacity significantly, reduce delays, and provide a more seamless experience for connecting passengers, particularly those on international itineraries. Upon completion, O’Hare will feature an expanded and modernized terminal complex designed around the needs of airline alliances, allowing for more efficient connections and enhanced passenger comfort.

With its storied history, central location, and commitment to innovation, Chicago O’Hare International Airport continues to evolve as it serves its vital role connecting Chicago to the world and passengers to destinations across the globe. From its pioneering conceptual designs to its future-focused modernization plans, O’Hare remains at the forefront of global aviation infrastructure, exemplifying the city of Chicago’s motto: “I Will.”

Keyword: TopAirports