February 09, 2011
“After meeting with the CEOs of United Airlines and American Airlines two weeks ago, we felt confident that there was room for common ground in the dispute over the O’Hare Modernization Program. We asked the airlines to sit down and meet with the City of Chicago outside the courtroom to identify a path forward. We are glad that dialogue is continuing and appreciate that Secretary LaHood is fully engaged.
“The O’Hare Modernization is critical to current and future economic growth in Chicago and remains our state’s largest jobs initiative. For the sake of Illinois jobs and economic growth, it is essential that both parties work together. We will remain dedicated to determining a path forward and working with the Mayor, the airlines and the Secretary to resolve this issue.”
Durbin and Kirk Statement on the O'Hare Modernization Program Meeting in Washington
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk (R-IL) today released a statement following a meeting between United Airlines CEO Jeff Smisek, American Airlines CEO Gerard Arpey, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.“After meeting with the CEOs of United Airlines and American Airlines two weeks ago, we felt confident that there was room for common ground in the dispute over the O’Hare Modernization Program. We asked the airlines to sit down and meet with the City of Chicago outside the courtroom to identify a path forward. We are glad that dialogue is continuing and appreciate that Secretary LaHood is fully engaged.
“The O’Hare Modernization is critical to current and future economic growth in Chicago and remains our state’s largest jobs initiative. For the sake of Illinois jobs and economic growth, it is essential that both parties work together. We will remain dedicated to determining a path forward and working with the Mayor, the airlines and the Secretary to resolve this issue.”