United Airlines charter flight will display colorful Chicago 2016 logo

CHICAGO (September 24, 2009)-Chicago 2016 announced today that it has teamed with United Airlines to charter a flight to Copenhagen, Denmark, for the final presentation to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Boeing 747 will feature the Chicago 2016 logo and will be filled with hundreds of supporters en route to Copenhagen where the IOC will select the Host City for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"With just seven days to go until the final decision, we appreciate everyone's support and are honored that so many Chicagoans are traveling with us to Copenhagen for the big day," said Patrick G. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016. "It is the enthusiasm of everyone in Chicago that makes this time in Chicago's history so exciting. We thank United Airlines for being such a valuable partner in our efforts."

Chicago 2016 will have a strong presence in Copenhagen for the historic event. On board the United Airlines flight will be Chicago 2016 committee members, supporters, athletes, media, staff and others. Chicago 2016 sold packages, including travel, accommodations and cultural events, for those wishing to attend to show their support for Chicago's bid.

Members of the Chicago 2016 delegation will make the final presentation to the IOC on the morning of October 2, with the Host City announcement following later that evening. 

"As Chicago's hometown airline and official airline of the US Olympic and Paralympic Teams, United is proud to support Chicago's and the U.S. bid for the 2016 Games, and be a partner in this historic event," said Glenn Tilton, chairman, president and CEO of United Airlines. "We are very pleased that our flight crews, our customer service and ramp employees, and all of the other employees get to be a part of this momentous flight."

About Chicago 2016

Chicago 2016 is a 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is to seek the privilege of hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Chicago. The committee's board consists of business, civic, athletic, cultural and academic leaders representing Chicago and the surrounding Midwest region. Patrick Ryan serves as the organization's chairman and CEO.

About United

United Airlines (Nasdaq:  UAUA) operates approximately 3,300* flights a day on United and United Express to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C.  With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United also is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 916 destinations in 160 countries worldwide.  United's 48,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world.  News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at united.com or follow United on Twitter @UnitedAirlines.