Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson joined the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and its construction and cargo partners at O’Hare International Airport today to celebrate the completion of the airport’s Northeast Cargo campus, which has significantly improved the airport’s cargo capacity and bolstered its position as a global shipping hub.

“O’Hare is our region’s largest economic engine, and cargo operations are a critical component of that engine,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “These new cargo facilities support Chicago’s role in bringing essential goods from across the globe into the United States and shipping them to all corners of the nation, all while creating job opportunities for local communities.

“And behind the leadership of Bowa Construction, one of our region’s most prominent Black-led contracting firms, we continue to make history and deliver on the promise of a better, stronger, safer Chicago for businesses and the people they serve.”

“Cargo operations have been soaring at O’Hare in recent years, and this essential expansion of our infrastructure helps us keep up with the growing demand,” said CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee. “We are happy to have Realterm as a long-term cargo partner, and I’m proud to say that Northeast Cargo Phase III is the first major airport cargo facility in the nation to be built by an African American-led construction team under the direction of prime contractor Bowa Construction, in keeping with Mayor Johnson’s vision for a City that creates opportunities for Chicagoans of all backgrounds.”

The third and final phase of the Northeast Cargo campus, developed by Realterm, opened for cargo operations last year, with some final punch list items completed this year. The project added an additional 130,000 square feet and two aircraft parking positions to the existing cargo area. The Phase III ramp can accommodate up to a dozen jumbo freighters per day and process more than 100,000 metric tonnes of cargo per year. The building’s roof also features an array of more than 2,500 solar panels that can generate an estimated 1.25 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

Phase III achieved a participation rate of 55% for minority- and women-owned businesses, with more than $23 million out of $43 million spent with diverse firms. The project created 340 full-time construction jobs and another 180 full-time permanent jobs at the completed facility.

“Air cargo is a significant economic engine for O’Hare and our great city,” said Tim Scholten, senior vice president of BOWA Construction. “To experience the Northeast Air Cargo facility in full operational mode is such a proud moment for the BOWA team and all our construction partners. Many thanks to Commissioner Rhee and CDA for all their support.”

"The grand opening of this landmark air cargo project at O’Hare International Airport celebrates years of hard work," said David Rose, Managing Director of Realterm. “This cutting-edge cargo facility cements ORD’s position as a leading global shipping hub while stimulating job creation and economic growth in the region."

The first two phases opened in 2016 and 2017 respectively; together with Phase III they encompass about 900,000 square feet supporting approximately 2,200 jobs on site.

Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) serves as cargo handling operator for Phase III facilities; AGI, DHL & Swissport operate Phases I & II.

“Worldwide Flight Services is proud to be part of O’Hare’s remarkable growth as a leading global cargo hub,” said Michael Simpson CEO WFS North America.

O'Hare processed over 1.9 million tonnes freight in 2023 continuing record tonnage since pandemic due capacity added by Northeast Cargo campus serving over thirty airlines plus freight carried passenger jets

O’Hare top US trade value processes approx $300 billion trade annually approx five thousand related jobs plus thousands regional supported by role global hub

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