Reducing delays through airfield modernization

Chicago O’Hare is one of the world’s busiest gateways. To ensure the very best in passenger experience and keep delays to an absolute minimum, the large-scale airfield and terminal enhancements are a major priority.

Sidara’s aviation specialist, Landrum & Brown, has long been a trusted advisor for the City of Chicago and has partnered with the client to deliver strategic planning to help achieve their objective.

The recently completed O'Hare Modernization Program reconfigured outdated intersecting runways into a modern, parallel layout. Four runways, two runway extensions, two air traffic control towers, and a modernized taxiway system were constructed.

Due to the major strategic investments, the airport has since seen significant increases in efficiency, especially during bad weather conditions. Not only were delays reduced at Chicago, but the knock-on effect saw improvements right across US National Airspace.

Technology to enhance the human experience

Another major program where the Landrum & Brown team have made an impact is the O’Hare Terminal Area Plan – one of the most ambitious terminal expansion and redevelopment programs in the world.

The objective is to replace and modernize existing terminal buildings and key facilities. At the heart of the project is the construction of the new O’Hare Global Terminal and its two satellite concourses.

Once complete, it is expected that visitors to Chicago’s main airport hub will benefit from state-of-the-art, high-tech facilities and amenities that make for a more relaxed and stress-free experience. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the terminal will operate significantly more efficiently, making it less expensive to run.

Industry First Airport Sustainability Program

Beginning in 2003, Landrum & Brown also led the implementation of a major sustainability program for the airport. With the central aim of minimizing O’Hare’s impact on the environment, the team developed the Sustainable Airport Manual.

This is the first ever airport-specific sustainable design and construction guidance and provides the very first project rating system for US airports. Since its creation the team are proud to have led its implementation at O’Hare airport. The airport now boasts a host of sustainability accolades including the most green roofs at an airport, multiple LEED-certified buildings, over 450 acres of wetland mitigation, and the first ever permanent grazing herd at a US airport.