Airport News
The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and Westfield Concession Management have unveiled plans for the redevelopment of Chicago O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 5.
Scheduled for completion in late 2013, the redevelopment will include a re-engineered layout of the terminal to enhance the passenger experience, 15 new dining and retail outlets – including many Chicago-based brands – and new passenger amenities.
Previously, 95% of the terminal’s dining and retail options were located pre-security, making it difficult for passengers to access dining and shopping while waiting for flights. The redevelopment is the first since the terminal’s construction in 1993.
“The reconfigured Terminal 5 raises the bar for airport concessions programmes in Chicago and across the country,” said CDA Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino during a celebratory unveiling inside the terminal. “The redevelopment fulfills Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s vision to transform the terminal into a world-class experience for international visitors and Chicago travellers alike.”
Westfield Concession Management and its tenant partners are investing more than US$26 million (£16 million) into the terminal over the course of the redevelopment, generating a total of 180 construction positions. The new dining and retail program will create 100 new full-time concession jobs, adding to the existing 180 concession jobs for a total of approximately 280 employees.
“We are deploying Westfield’s global expertise in operating some of the most iconic shopping venues in the world to Terminal 5,” said Dominic Lowe, executive vice president, Westfield Concession Management. “We are transforming the entire passenger experience in Terminal 5.”
The renovated terminal interior – including a new food court with performance kitchens – will offer a redesigned, more efficient TSA checkpoint and feature new lighting, signage, fixtures and other amenities while incorporating sustainable and recycled materials.
A central element of the new design is the European-style pass-through duty-free store that all departing passengers will flow through after clearing the new TSA checkpoint. Operated by Dufry, the duty-free shopping programme will link Chicago’s Magnificent Mile shopping district to Terminal 5.
Since the redevelopment began on 1 July 2012, Westfield has completed immediate upgrades to enhance the traveller experience during the transformation. Passengers are enjoying expanded offerings and increased hours of operation for post-security food, duty-free and travel essentials. New shopping, dining and amenities will open throughout the course of redevelopment.
