United Airlines has
announced that it selected Chicago for its new headquarters, and will
move about 350 management employees to downtown Chicago in early 2007.At the same time, United will consolidate several of its suburban
facilities, generating cost savings and creating an Operations Center on
its campus in Elk Grove Township.

“Today United strengthens our long relationship with our hometown, the
city of Chicago, and with the state of Illinois,” said Glenn F. Tilton,
United chairman, president and CEO. “This move enables us to reduce our
costs and drive efficiencies by consolidating facilities and bringing
those who support the day-to-day operations together in one location,
and it puts United’s headquarters in the heart of the city’s vibrant
business district.”

United’s new corporate headquarters will be located at 77 W. Wacker
Drive.

“United Airlines travels the world every day, but we are so happy it is
going to continue calling Illinois home. Chicago has everything a
world-class corporate headquarters could ever want—the best and the
brightest people, the ability to travel virtually anywhere and a great
quality of life. We have worked very hard to create an attractive
business environment that is bringing more new companies and helping to
put more people to work,” Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich said.

Under the agreement, United is receiving $5.25 million in tax increment
financing from the city of Chicago and $1.35 million in grants from the
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for
infrastructure improvements and job training. Additionally, both the
city and the state will propose legislation to cap the jet fuel tax for
the next five years.

“This brings approximately 350 jobs and the headquarters of a Fortune
100 company into our city,” said Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley.
“United’s move is part of a powerful trend that has seen a number of
major companies establish headquarters in downtown Chicago. This is a
great day for United and for the city of Chicago.”
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