DIRECT INTERNATIONAL SERVICE RETURNS TO MIDWAY AIRPORT
Aviation Commissioner Thomas Walker joins Community Groups, Airlines and Elected and Federal Agency Officials as Flights leave for Guadalajara
March 1, 2002-Aviation Commissioner Thomas R. Walker, Mexican Consul General Carlos Manuel Sada Solana ,ATA Airlines CEO John Tague, Commercial Director of Mexicana Airlines Worldwide Antonio Martinez and other elected and federal officials today dedicated Midway's new Federal Inspection Services facility and celebrated the return of direct international service to Midway Airport after more than 40 years and gave a festive sendoff to hundreds of passengers on Midway Airport's first direct international flight to Guadalajara, Mexico.
When returning to Chicago, this morning's passengers on ATA and Mexicana Airlines will fly directly to Chicago Midway Airport and experience the new Federal Inspection Services facility. There, incoming passengers and cargo can now be screened by the federal departments of Agriculture, Immigration and Naturalization, and Customs.
Citing the commitment and growth of ATA at Midway, Commissioner Walker said, "One of the great airport success stories of the past decade continues to unfold here at Midway. Even though many airlines today are facing huge challenges, Midway Airport is strong and its potential is being realized."
The Commissioner said along with this latest benchmark in the redevelopment of the new Midway, 12 new gates have now opened on Concourses A and C. "The new Midway is coming together at a rapid pace," added Commissioner Walker, "Passengers are taking advantage of the spacious and modern facilities designed to make their travel pleasant, efficient, safe and secure."
ATA CEO John Tague said the new federal facility will create 100 to 200 additional jobs at Midway. The airline currently employs close to 2,700 workers in Chicago, and is building a state-of-the-art training facility at Midway Gateway Center at Cicero and Archer Avenues, bringing even more jobs and economic development to the southwest side.
Mexicana Airlines' Antonio Martinez noted the facility will provide additional cultural and business opportunities with Mexico and Chicago's diverse communities. This is not the first time Mexicana Airlines served Midway Airport. In 1957, the airline provided direct flights to Mexico City from Midway.
An early morning Mexicana Airlines flight from Morelia, Mexico was the first flight to be processed by the new Federal Inspection Facility. ATA's first direct international flight will arrive from Guadalajara later today.
The historic Midway Airport Terminal Development Program will be completed in 2004 with the opening of the new 41-gate concourses. The Terminal Development Program continues to make a significant impact to the region, generating 94,000 temporary and permanent jobs and will contribute nearly $4 billion in economic development
