Mayor Brandon Johnson marked the completion of the Northeast Cargo Campus at O'Hare International Airport, a significant development that bolsters the airport's cargo capacity. This expansion has solidified O'Hare's position as the top U. S. cargo airport by trade value, achieving record freight tonnage for four consecutive years. The project, completed by Realterm, added 130,000 square feet of cargo space and two aircraft parking positions, enabling operations for up to a dozen jumbo freighters daily.

The facility incorporates over 2,500 solar panels, generating an estimated 1. 25 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. A notable highlight of the project is its commitment to diversity, achieving a 55% participation rate for minority- and women-owned businesses, with more than $23 million of the $43 million project cost allocated to diverse firms. Mayor Johnson stressed the importance of cargo operations as a key economic engine for the region. CDA Commissioner Jamie L.

Rhee echoed this sentiment, noting the project's role in meeting growing demand for cargo operations. This expansion not only enhances logistics capabilities but also creates job opportunities for local communities.