Rumors swirl about United's future amid Denver expansion
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A United Airlines plane prepares for takeoff at O'Hare. Photo: Raymond Boyd/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Newly approved development plans have ignited rumors that United Airlines may relocate its headquarters from Chicago to Denver.
Why it matters: United is one of Chicago's biggest companies, employing thousands of residents, sponsoring a sports stadium and leading philanthropic efforts for the city.
- United serves as the anchor airline for O'Hare Airport, with its own terminal.
The intrigue: United is building a flight simulator campus on 113 acres near the Denver airport.
- The plans also include room to build office buildings that could house more than 6,000 employees. About 5,000 employees work at Willis Tower downtown.
- The land is near a planned megadevelopment including new housing and retail and along a commuter rail that connects directly to the Denver International Airport.
What they're saying: Not much. United said the land is for flight training and no office move is "imminent."
- "The land provides United with future options," a United spokesperson said to WGN-News.
- "We have been here in Chicago for decades and have thousands of employees here."
Flashback: United moved its headquarters from Elk Grove Village to downtown in 2007. The city shelled out around $40 million in tax incentives for the move.
- Since then, United has spread out its operations, setting up regional offices in cities like Houston and Denver.
- Denver is the airline's fastest-growing airport, but it's still not as busy as Chicago (or as big of a city).
The latest: United operates the majority of flights out of O'Hare and has requested to take over six more gates.
- It is also a huge player in the airport modernization plan, which could face more hurdles with new tariffs on steel and aluminum.
- The company's first-quarter earnings forecast has already surpassed analysts' estimates, thanks in part to strong travel demand.
Zoom out: The rumors follow a recent trend of big businesses moving out of Chicago citing taxes, crime and local leadership.
- Boeing bounced in 2022, while billionaire Ken Griffin moved his Citadel headquarters to Miami.
- United is a big economic engine for the city's business community, which has been outspoken against Mayor Brandon Johnson's policies.
- The airline is one of a handful of Chicago companies that donated to President Trump's inauguration.
The bottom line: United may not be moving anytime soon, but if the airline leaves town, it would strike a blow to Chicago's economy.