Chicago airports see record-high passengers, cargo in 2017

CHICAGO, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Mayor of Chicago announced on Wednesday that 2017 was another record-breaking year for its two main international airports combined, with the most passengers served and highest volume of cargo tonnage handled.

According to aviation authorities of the U.S. Midwest hub, more than 10 million passengers traveled through its O'Hare and Midway international airports last year, surpassing the previous record set in 2016.

Total air cargo tonnage handled at O' Hare was approximately 1.9 million tons, representing a nearly 12 percent increase over the previous record for the airport also set in 2016.

"It is no coincidence that Chicago's airports are experiencing year over year growth. The numbers represent Chicago's commitment to making lasting improvements in our international airports that keep attracting airlines, passengers and air cargo to invest in our city," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel in a statement.

"With major modernization programs underway at both airports, we will continue driving economic opportunities for the city and region for decades to come," added Emanuel.

O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world by the number of takeoffs and landings, thanks to its eight runways in operation.

O'Hare handled 79.8 million passengers in 2017, representing a steady 2.4 percent increase over 2016 and marking the highest total in the airport's history.

The record-breaking tonnage at O'Hare is attributable to strong trade with Asia, stable economic conditions worldwide, e-commerce growth and expanded cargo-handling capacity. Enditem