Originally Posted by
PsiFighter37
UA has been pretty clear that they want to build ORD, IAH and DEN into even stronger mid-continent fortress hubs. Investing in more flights at ORD (and things like expanding Polaris Lounge real estate) contributes to that vision.
Scott Kirby knows they can’t squeeze any more flights into ORD so growth has to come from taking gates, notably AA’s gates. UA’s new Concourse D construction has started but it won’t open until late 2028. Even then, it might not help in the balance as T2 is supposed to be torn down when Concourse D goes into operation. I think the rhetoric is all about getting AA to give him gates but he’s playing with fire IMHO.