Where Is Airport Code Ord Located?

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is a major international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, United States. The airport is located on the city's Northwest Side, approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district. The airport is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation and covers 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2). O'Hare is considered one of the busiest airports in the world, offering non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the globe as of Summer 2024.

O'Hare International Airport was renamed in 1949 to honour Edward Butch O'Hare, a US Navy war hero

O'Hare International Airport, located in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the busiest airports in the world. The airport code for O'Hare International Airport is ORD, which stands for Orchard Place, as the site was once an aircraft factory with the same name. In 1949, the airport was renamed O'Hare Airport to honour Edward "Butch" O'Hare, a US Navy war hero and aviator.

Edward Henry "Butch" O'Hare was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 13, 1914. His father, Edward Joseph O'Hare, also known as "Easy Eddie" O'Hare, was a lawyer with ties to the infamous gangster Al Capone. Despite the complex associations with his father, Butch O'Hare became a celebrated naval aviator during World War II. He was the first US Navy flying ace of the war, achieving five aerial victories, with one probable. On February 20, 1942, O'Hare demonstrated exceptional valour by single-handedly engaging with eight Japanese bombers near Bougainville Island in the Solomon Islands. He successfully shot down five aircraft and damaged a sixth, making him the first US air ace of World War II. For his bravery, O'Hare was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honour and became the first World War II hero to be decorated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Following his remarkable actions, O'Hare was assigned to lead Fighter Squadron 3 (VF-3) on the aircraft carrier USS Lexington in 1942. He continued to showcase his exceptional skills in aerial combat against the Japanese. In 1943, he returned to combat, flying the new Grumman F6F Hellcat fighter. On November 26, 1943, O'Hare participated in the US Navy's first-ever nighttime fighter attack launched from an aircraft carrier, the USS Enterprise. During this mission, he encountered a group of Japanese torpedo bombers and led his three-plane group into battle. Unfortunately, during this engagement, O'Hare's aircraft was shot down, and he was presumed missing in action. The US Navy declared him missing in 1944 and officially declared him dead in 1945.

To honour O'Hare's bravery and his contributions to World War II, the Chicago-area Orchard Field Airport was renamed O'Hare International Airport on September 19, 1949. The airport displays a Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat, identical to the aircraft O'Hare flew during his Medal of Honour action. Additionally, an F4F Wildcat, restored to resemble O'Hare's plane, is on display in Terminal 2. The renaming of the airport is a lasting tribute to the heroic actions of Edward "Butch" O'Hare, ensuring that his legacy continues to be remembered and celebrated.

The airport's IATA code, ORD, is derived from its previous name, Orchard Field Airport

O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, United States, is a bustling aviation hub, ranked as the world's fourth busiest airport. The airport's IATA code, ORD, is derived from its previous name, Orchard Field Airport.

Orchard Field Airport was established in the mid-1940s and was assigned the IATA code ORD. The origin of the airport code is linked to the site's history as an aircraft factory and commercial airfield. Before becoming a prominent airport, the location was known as Orchard Place, an aircraft factory. This name was later shortened to Orchard when it transitioned into a commercial airfield, known as Orchard Field Airport.

In 1949, the airport underwent a significant renaming to honour a distinguished figure in aviation and military history. The facility was renamed O'Hare Airport to pay tribute to Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the U.S. Navy's first flying ace and recipient of the Medal of Honor during World War II. Despite this change, the IATA code ORD was retained, preserving the connection to its former name, Orchard Field Airport.

The decision to keep the original IATA code, ORD, aligns with common practices in airport code assignments. Often, these codes are derived from the original names of the airports, even if those names change over time. This consistency helps to minimise confusion and avoid costly changes to aviation-related publications, while also honouring significant figures or events associated with the airport's history.

Today, O'Hare International Airport is a thriving transportation hub, offering non-stop flights to numerous destinations worldwide. Its IATA code, ORD, serves as a reminder of its past identity as Orchard Field Airport, showcasing the evolution of this critical aviation gateway in Chicago.

ORD is located on the northwest side of Chicago, approximately 17 miles from the Loop business district

Chicago O'Hare International Airport, with the airport code ORD, is located on the northwest side of Chicago, approximately 17 miles (27 km) from the Loop business district. The airport is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation and covers an area of 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2).

The history of the airport dates back to World War II, when it served as an airfield for a Douglas manufacturing plant producing C-54 military transports. Initially known as Douglas Airport, it featured four 5,500-foot (1,700-meter) runways. In the mid-1940s, the airport was renamed Orchard Field Airport, and the IATA code ORD was assigned, derived from "'Orchard."

In 1949, the airport was renamed O'Hare Airport to honour Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the U.S. Navy's first flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient in World War II. Despite the name change, the airport code ORD remained unchanged, making it unique among IATA codes in bearing no connection to the airport's name or metropolitan area. Scheduled passenger service at O'Hare began in 1955, but growth was initially slow, as airlines were reluctant to move from Midway Airport.

O'Hare International Airport is known for its innovative design, which includes concourses, direct highway access to the terminal, jet bridges, and underground refuelling systems. The airport has grown to become one of the busiest in the world, offering non-stop flights to numerous destinations across the globe. As of 2024, it is considered the most connected airport in the US and the fifth most connected airport worldwide.

Chicago's O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world

Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is located on the northwest side of Chicago, Illinois, United States, approximately 17 miles (27 km) from the Loop business district. Covering 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2), it is one of the busiest airports in the world.

O'Hare is considered the most connected airport in the US and the 5th most connected airport worldwide. As of 2024, the airport offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations across North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the North Atlantic region. In 2022, O'Hare was the fourth busiest airport in the world, serving 68.3 million passengers, a 26.5% increase from 2021. According to the Airports Council International rankings, O'Hare had 919,704 aircraft movements in 2019, averaging 2,520 per day—the most of any airport in the world—due in part to a large number of regional flights.

The airport's history dates back to World War II when it served as an airfield for a Douglas manufacturing plant, producing C-54 military transports. Initially known as Douglas Airport, it was renamed Orchard Field Airport in the mid-1940s and assigned the IATA code ORD, derived from "'Orchard." In 1949, the airport was renamed O'Hare Airport to honour Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the U.S. Navy's first flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient in World War II. Despite the name change, the IATA code ORD was retained, making it one of the few airport codes unrelated to its name or location.

O'Hare has undergone significant expansion and improvements over the years. The airport has non-stop flights to numerous destinations worldwide, and its connectivity has generated substantial economic benefits for Chicago. O'Hare's innovative design introduced concepts such as concourses, direct highway access to the terminal, jet bridges, and underground refuelling systems. The airport continues to expand, with plans to add over 3 million square feet to its terminals, construct a new customs processing centre, and increase gate capacity to accommodate larger aircraft.

The airport covers 7,627 acres and offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the world

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is a major international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, United States. Located on the city's northwest side, approximately 17 miles (27 km) from the Loop business district, O'Hare Airport covers 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2) and is one of the largest airports in the US.

The airport's IATA code, ORD, is derived from its former name, Orchard Field Airport, which was named for its location on the site of an aircraft factory known as Orchard Place. In 1949, the airport was renamed O'Hare to honour Edward "Butch" O'Hare, a local war hero and the US Navy's first flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient in World War II.

O'Hare Airport offers non-stop flights to an impressive 249 destinations worldwide. These destinations span North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the North Atlantic region. As of 2024, O'Hare is the most connected airport in the US and the fifth most connected airport globally. It is also the fourth busiest airport in the world and the 16th largest airport.

The airport's extensive facilities and infrastructure have contributed to its success as a major aviation hub. O'Hare features nine concourses and four terminals, with Terminal 5 dedicated to international arrivals and customs screening. The airport has seen continuous improvements and expansions over the years, including the addition of new hangars, terminals, parking, and other facilities. A recent project added over 3 million square feet to the airport's terminals, constructed a new customs processing centre, and increased gate count and ramp space to accommodate larger aircraft.

O'Hare International Airport's convenient location and efficient design have solidified its reputation as one of the world's leading airports. With its vast acreage, non-stop flight offerings to nearly 250 destinations, and innovative features, O'Hare continues to play a pivotal role in advancing modern air travel.

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