Originally Posted by
FriendlyPilot
In 2015 American flew an estimated 450–500 daily mainline flights from O'Hare, based on pre-pandemic hub strength.
In 2024, American Airlines operated an average of 349 daily departures from O'Hare, with 388 departures during the peak summer months (June, July, August), according to Cirium schedules.
Over the last decade America has dropped over 100 flights out of ORD. I get it that AA wants to now start growing there, but United has been consistent over the last decade with making ORD a priority and growing flying and AA can't just back out 100+ daily flights over a decade and then just walk back in and say it wants those slots back now.
Anything can happen in a lawsuit, but its going to take years for this to be resolved. New terminals will probably be done by then and AA can get some more gates at that time. 2029 or so.
That is wrong. This isn't about morality and who deserves what. Theres a legally binding contract, and the city of chicago in coordination with UA, are not following it.
The contract specifically states that gate re-allocation cannot begin until 1 year after the 12 month ramp up period is complete. and ramp up period isn't to start until terminal 3 and 5 expansions are completed. T3 stinger gate expansion, as specified in the contract, wasn't completed until March 2025. The earliest this reallocation assessment may happen is 2027.
AA was legally able to neglect chicago for a period of time, then bring it back to life in time to, and not lose any gates. Why would they do this? probably cause the sunbelt hubs were more profitable in the immediate post covid rebound. That and ORD is more dependent on their regional feed, which hasn't fully recovered until now.. for the most part.