Gary/Chicago International Airport announced the expansion of its UPS Cargo Service agreement.
United Parcel Service began air cargo operations at the airport in November 2020. The initial five-year lease agreement had the option for two additional 5-year terms. This resets the airport’s 2020 agreement with UPS. It adds another 5-year term to the agreement, potentially keeping UPS at the airport until 2040.
“This is an exciting moment for the Gary/Chicago International Airport and a continued example of the benefits of our continued investment in our aviation infrastructure and increasing our capabilities,”said Dan Vicari, Gary/Chicago International Airport executive director, in a press release.
The initial agreement included a 150,000 square foot ramp, providing enough capacity to park two A300s.
In early October, the airport announced its $24 million Phase 1 expansion of its cargo logistics sector. When Phase 1 is completed, it will have positions for eight wide-body aircraft. When the entire cargo logistics project is completed, it will provide positions for up to 18 wide-body aircraft.
Since beginning air cargo service in 2020, operations have increased. The airport ranks 3rd in Indiana on its freight volume.
The Gary/Chicago International Airport is 25 miles from downtown Chicago. It was created in 1939 by the Airport Board and City of Gary. In 2022, it received FAA approval for its master plan, a planning document that will guide the airport’s development over the next several decades.
