Mayor Rahm Emanuel says O'Hare is the only airport in North America where both United and American Airlines have major operations. He added the headquarters of Boeing and Orbitz in Chicago puts the city at the forefront of transportation.
"I do not just want to sit on that lead. I want to build it. So I asked for this conference. The CEO's of all the major carriers are coming. As well as the Aviation Department which is hosting it, to discuss what are the steps necessary so Chicago doesn't just have leadership, but what does it take to keep that lead," said Emannuel.
The mayor says he will ask airline officials what improvements they want to see in infrastructure and the workforce.
