Move to newer offices will bring 2,800 United employees downtown - making United the largest private employer headquartered in Chicago
CHICAGO, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- UAL Corporation (Nasdaq: UAUA), the holding company whose primary subsidiary is United Airlines, announced today it will be moving its Operations Center to Willis Tower - a move that will improve the overall working environment for its 2,800 employees who currently work at the United campus in Elk Grove Township.
Following an extensive review of multiple sites, both in the suburbs and downtown, Willis Tower was selected as it provides the most benefits in terms of improved workspaces, technology and other resources, as well as being cost-effective.
"United and Chicago are inextricably linked, and this move further deepens our commitment to the city and region," said Glenn F. Tilton, United chairman and chief executive officer. "Willis Tower is a world-class building that offers a much-improved working environment for our people and the flexibility to adapt to the many changes that are inherent in our industry."
"We believe that Chicago is the ideal place to run a business, because our city offers tremendous economic strength and resources combined with an enhanced quality of life," said Mayor Richard M. Daley. "During this tough economy, United's move is a show of confidence in Chicago and our economic future. This is a positive moment for our city."
The City of Chicago and United have agreed to an economically viable incentive program that will ensure the city is competitive to other locations and makes financial sense for United. The package, including tax incentives, grants and job training programs, will be used to offset United's capital and facility build-out costs.
More details of the city's incentive package will be available following review by Chicago's Community Development Commission and approval by Chicago City Council and United's Board of Directors. The actual move could begin as soon as fall 2010.
Only two-thirds of the Elk Grove facilities are currently utilized. Originally built in 1961, the Operations Center's projected infrastructure-improvement cost over the long term ranges from $50 million to $90 million, making it increasingly cost-prohibitive to continue operating the campus.
"We want to thank the Mayor and his staff, as well as the building ownership and agents, for their partnership in working together for this important move," said Pete McDonald, United's executive vice president and chief administrative officer. "Willis Tower provides a better work environment, many amenities within the building and surrounding areas, and convenient access to public transportation," he added. "The building's security services are of the highest standards, a key consideration in our decision process and allows us to operate efficiently on a 24/7 basis."
The move also serves to bring United's Operations Center in closer proximity to colleagues and planning staff resources at United's world headquarters at 77 West Wacker Drive, where 650 employees currently work.
About United
United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAUA) operates approximately 3,300* flights a day on United and United Express to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United also is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 916 destinations in 160 countries worldwide. United's 48,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at united.com or follow United on Twitter @UnitedAirlines.
*Based on United's forward-looking flight schedule for July 2009 to June 2010.
SOURCE United Airlines
