Originally Posted by
BlueOceanSky
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.
Also this...
5.3.1 Subject to Section 5.3.2, the first annual redetermination of Gate Space
shall take effect on October 1, 2021. By April 1, 2021, and by April 1 of each year thereafter
during the Term, and subject to Sections 5.3.2 and 5.3.3, the City shall, after consultation with
the TFAC, determine and give written notice to all Signatory Airlines of the amount and
locations of both Domestic Gate Space and International Gate Space to be reserved for use as
Common Use Gate Space, to be effective on October 1 of the same year.
Seems here there IS a provision to reassign gates each year as just happened.