Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) have introduced “Papa Blu,” a new ADA-accessible community outreach bus designed to connect Chicago residents with opportunities in aviation. The bus will make its first appearance at 79th Street and Maryland Avenue during the final “Take Back the Block” event, an anti-violence initiative led by the Mayor’s Office and the Mayor’s Office for Community Safety.

“Chicago’s airports belong to the people of Chicago, and Papa Blu is a fresh new way we’re making sure every neighborhood feels connected to the opportunities created by O’Hare and Midway International Airports,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “With two flight simulators on board, this bus isn’t just a vehicle — it’s a fun, hands-on way for young people to explore what it’s like to be a pilot and imagine a future career in aviation. We’re bringing these experiences and resources directly to Chicagoans where they live.”

The 36-foot-long blue bus features aviation-themed graphics that include images of the Chicago skyline and Navy Pier’s Ferris wheel. It is equipped with two flight simulators aimed at providing children and adults with interactive experiences related to piloting an aircraft. The CDA Workforce Development team will guide visitors through these activities, which are supplemented by educational games and books intended to encourage interest in aviation careers.

“Since becoming Commissioner, I’ve made it a top priority for the CDA to open more doors for Chicagoans, whether that’s sparking a young person’s interest in aviation or helping local entrepreneurs connect to opportunities at our airports,” said CDA Commissioner Michael McMurray. “Papa Blu can act as a mobile gateway to the aviation industry, inspiring the next generation of pilots, flight attendants, engineers and innovators. I’m especially grateful to CDA First Deputy Commissioner Tracey H. Payne for her vision and leadership in making Papa Blu a reality.”

In addition to its focus on youth engagement, Papa Blu provides resources for high school students, college students, mid-career professionals, and small business owners. These include information about job openings at O’Hare and Midway airports, internships, training programs in aviation fields, guidance on business certification processes, responding to requests for proposals, and general procurement information.

This is not CDA's first venture into mobile outreach; their initial community outreach bus, “Big Blu,” was launched in 2022 and has attended over 65 local events since then. More details about Papa Blu can be found at https://www.flychicago.com/outreachvehicle.