O’Hare opens new cargo center

The first phase of the O’Hare Northeast Cargo Center is now complete and operational, and once the entire center is complete, it will be the largest airside cargo development constructed in the United States in over a decade.

   The Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is strengthening its freight capabilities with a new state-of-the-art cargo center.
   The first phase of the O’Hare Northeast Cargo Center is now complete and operational after years of construction, which began in late 2013, the Chicago Department of Aviation said Wednesday. The second phase of construction is currently underway and is expected to open early next year, with phase three to follow.
   Once completed, the state-of-the-art facility will be the largest airside cargo development constructed in the United States in over a decade, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation.
   The O’Hare Northeast Cargo Center is being funded by a $160 million investment from Aeroterm and more than $62 million of airport funds.
   Facilities at the center will be subleased to airlines, cargo handling organizations and other airport stakeholders. Current tenants for the first phase are Total Airport Services and Alliance Ground International.
   Overall, the complete project will feature 915,000 square feet of warehousing and office space; a 2,200-foot airplane design group VI taxi lane; apron pavement for up to 13 of the largest freight aircraft that fly today; landside truck docks; a new cargo access road; an expanded fuel farm facility and utility extensions; and employee parking spaces.
   In addition, each building at the new O’Hare Northeast Cargo Center will provide landside and airside access.
   Other benefits include hydrant fueling in the aircraft ramp, aircraft nose loading capability and enhanced airside tug access to the main terminal core.