This article is based on an official press release from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

SFO Unveils High-Tech “Nerve Center” to Centralize Airport Operations

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has officially opened its new Airport Integrated Operations Center (AIOC), a centralized hub designed to unify critical airport functions under one roof. According to an official announcement from the airport, the facility began full operations with a celebration on January 22, 2026. The 22,000-square-foot center represents a significant shift in how the airport manages its daily logistics, moving from decentralized departments to a collaborative, technology-driven model.

Located within the newly constructed Courtyard 3 Connector (C3C), a secure building linking Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, the AIOC serves as the operational “brain” of the airport. SFO officials state that the facility brings together security, dispatch, facilities, and airline coordinators into a single workspace, enabling faster response times and better coordination during both routine operations and emergencies.

A $250 Million Infrastructure Investment

The AIOC is a primary component of the Courtyard 3 Connector project, which SFO reports has an estimated value of $250 million. The project was delivered by a design-build team led by general contractor Hensel Phelps, with architectural design by HOK and MEI Architects. The facility features 67 workstations designed to foster cross-functional collaboration, breaking down the traditional silos that often exist between different airport departments.

Beyond housing the operations center, the C3C building provides a secure post-security walkway for passengers moving between terminals. This dual-purpose design improves passenger flow while simultaneously upgrading the airport’s operational infrastructure. In line with SFO’s sustainability goals, the building is “Net Zero Energy ready” and is targeting LEED Gold certification.

Digital Twin Technology and Real-Time Monitoring

A key feature of the new center is its integration of “digital twin” technology. Developed in partnership with Esri, this system creates a real-time 3D digital replica of the entire airport complex. According to the project details, this system allows staff to monitor a wide array of operational metrics, including:

• Aircraft taxi times and movement
• Baggage handling system status
• Security checkpoint wait times
• Terminal congestion and restroom cleanliness
• Traffic flow on airport roadways

The system utilizes color-coded alerts to notify staff of potential issues before they escalate. For example, the system can flag delays or early arrivals, allowing the integrated teams to reallocate resources proactively. In the event of a crisis, such as a security breach or natural disaster, the AIOC converts into a command post to coordinate a unified response among all agencies.

Mike Nakornkhet, the Airport Director at SFO, emphasized the strategic importance of the new facility in the official release:

“The AIOC is all about running the very best airport operation to deliver a consistent and seamless airport experience for our guests. Utilising a wealth of emerging technologies and historical data, the AIOC’s primary purpose is to ensure teams have the capacity to proactively monitor conditions, activate contingency plans and deploy resources.”

AirPro News Analysis

The opening of SFO’s AIOC highlights a broader trend in the aviation industry toward “predictive operations.” Historically, airports have operated in a reactive mode, addressing bottlenecks at security or baggage claim only after they occur. By co-locating key decision-makers and equipping them with a digital twin, SFO is attempting to transition to a model where operational disruptions are identified and mitigated before they impact the passenger.

This consolidation of command and control is particularly critical for airports with constrained footprints like SFO. With limited physical space to expand, efficiency gains must come from better management of existing assets. The “digital twin” concept, while common in manufacturing and urban planning, is rapidly becoming the standard for major international hubs seeking to optimize gate utilization and turnaround times without pouring new concrete.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Airport Integrated Operations Center (AIOC)?
The AIOC is a centralized facility at SFO where security, dispatch, maintenance, and airline operations teams work together in a shared space to manage airport logistics 24/7.

Where is the new facility located?
It is located in the Courtyard 3 Connector (C3C), a new building that connects Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

What is a “Digital Twin”?
A Digital Twin is a virtual 3D replica of the airport that uses real-time data to simulate and monitor operations, helping staff predict and prevent delays.

When did the AIOC open?
While the unit began initial operations earlier, the official opening celebration took place on January 22, 2026.

Sources

• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and Rajesh Singh.

United Airlines CEO Draws “Line in the Sand” in Battle for O’Hare Dominance

The ongoing struggle for control over Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) intensified sharply on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. During United Airlines’ fourth-quarter earnings call, CEO Scott Kirby issued a stark warning to rival American Airlines, signaling that United is prepared to aggressively defend its market share and gate allocation at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.

According to reporting by Reuters, Kirby explicitly stated that United is “drawing a line in the sand” regarding gate competition in 2026. The conflict centers on the airport’s “use-it-or-lose-it” leasing agreement, which reallocates gates based on flight departure volumes. With American Airlines attempting to regain ground lost in 2025, United has pledged to match any capacity increases necessary to prevent its rival from acquiring additional infrastructure.

The “Line in the Sand”: Financials and Gate Control

The core of this dispute is not just about rhetoric; it is a structural battle over real estate governed by the 2018 Airline Use and Lease Agreement (AULA). As reported by Reuters, Kirby emphasized that United would add “as many flights as are required” to maintain its current gate count.

During the earnings call, United leadership highlighted a significant financial divergence between the two carriers at their shared hub. Kirby claimed that while United’s O’Hare operations generated approximately $500 million in profit in 2025, American Airlines suffered a loss of roughly the same amount at the hub. United argues that this disparity makes American’s aggressive expansion unsustainable.

The 2025 Reallocation

The tension follows a decisive shift in airport real estate that occurred in late 2025. Due to United’s faster post-pandemic recovery and higher schedule density, the carrier triggered a lease clause allowing it to acquire five additional gates in October 2025. Conversely, American Airlines was forced to surrender four gates due to lower utilization metrics.

Current airport data indicates the following gate distribution:

• United Airlines: Approximately 97 gates
• American Airlines: Approximately 65 gates

“We’re not going to allow them to win a single gate at our expense.”

, Scott Kirby, United Airlines CEO (via Reuters)

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American Airlines’ Counter-Offensive

Despite the financial figures presented by United, American Airlines has launched a “scorched earth” scheduling strategy to reclaim its footing. Industry reports indicate that American has added approximately 100 daily departures to its Spring 2026 schedule. The goal of this volume increase is to improve utilization metrics enough to trigger a “claw back” of gates in the next annual allocation cycle.

In addition to schedule padding, American Airlines executed a strategic real estate acquisition in late 2025. Following Spirit Airlines’ bankruptcy proceedings, American purchased two gates for $30 million, securing access outside of the city’s standard allocation formula.

The Route War

The competition has spilled over into regional route networks, creating a “tit-for-tat” scenario. When American announced new service to regional markets such as Erie, Pennsylvania, and the Tri-Cities in Tennessee in early January, United responded within 24 hours by announcing identical routes. This strategy effectively floods smaller markets with capacity, preventing either carrier from establishing a monopoly.

AirPro News Analysis

While passengers may benefit temporarily from the lower fares resulting from this capacity dumping, the long-term implications for O’Hare are complex. The aggressive “use-it-or-lose-it” rules were designed to ensure efficient use of public infrastructure, but they currently appear to be incentivizing airlines to fly potentially unprofitable schedules solely to hoard real estate.

Furthermore, this squabble is the prelude to the massive “O’Hare 21” expansion. The carrier that commands the most market share today will likely wield the most influence over the design and allocation of the upcoming Satellite 1 and Global Terminal projects. United’s “line in the sand” suggests they view 2026 not just as a battle for current gates, but as the deciding year for the airport’s future configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are United and American fighting over gates?

O’Hare allocates gates based on a “use-it-or-lose-it” formula. Airlines must maintain high flight volumes to keep their gates. United recently won more gates from American, and American is now adding flights to try to win them back.

How does this affect passengers?

In the short term, passengers can expect more flight options and lower fares as both airlines add capacity to win market share. However, if one airline retreats, prices could rise.

What is the financial status of the hubs?

According to United CEO Scott Kirby, United’s O’Hare hub profited ~$500 million in 2025, while American’s hub lost ~$500 million.

Sources: Reuters

This article summarizes reporting by CBS News and journalist Todd Feurer.

Chicago O’Hare Overtakes Atlanta for Flight Operations Title

For the first time since 2019, Chicago’s O’Hare International Airports (ORD) has reclaimed the title of the busiest airport in the United States. According to reporting by CBS News, O’Hare surpassed Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in 2025, ending Atlanta’s multi-year reign at the top of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rankings for flight operations.

The shift in rankings highlights a significant resurgence in air traffic through the Midwest. Data cited in the report indicates that O’Hare’s rise was driven by a 10.5% year-over-year increase in operations. While Atlanta has long held the global crown for passenger volume, the metric for this specific ranking focuses on the sheer number of aircraft movements, takeoffs and landings, rather than the number of people flying.

By the Numbers: Operations vs. Passengers

It is essential to distinguish between the two primary metrics used to rank airport traffic: flight operations and passenger volume. While O’Hare has taken the lead in the number of planes moving through its runways, Atlanta remains the busiest hub for passenger traffic.

According to the preliminary 2025 statistics summarized in the report:

• Chicago O’Hare (ORD): 857,392 operations.
• Atlanta (ATL): 807,625 operations.

This data reveals a strategic divergence between the two hubs. Atlanta typically utilizes larger aircraft with higher load factors, allowing it to transport approximately 108 million passengers compared to O’Hare’s estimated 80 million, despite handling fewer individual flights. O’Hare’s volume is driven by its unique status as a dual-hub for two major carriers, United Airlines and American Airlines, which utilize a high frequency of smaller regional jets alongside mainline aircraft to feed their networks.

The “Capacity War” Driving Growth

The surge in flight operations at O’Hare is largely attributed to aggressive competition between its two largest tenants. Industry analysis suggests that a “capacity war” between United Airlines and American Airlines has significantly inflated flight numbers.

United Airlines has focused on solidifying O’Hare as its premier connecting hub, adding approximately 13 new domestic routes and increasing frequencies across its network. Simultaneously, American Airlines executed a strategy involving the addition of over 100 daily departures specifically targeting the spring break season, alongside new international routes to destinations such as Naples and Madrid.

This intense competition resulted in O’Hare being ranked as the “most connected” airport in the U.S. for 2025. On July 18, 2025, the airport offered more potential flight connections on a single day than any other facility in the country.

AirPro News Analysis: The Cost of Connectivity

While the reclamation of the “busiest” title is a marketing victory for the City of Chicago, we believe it presents a complex reality for travelers. The increase in flight frequency offers passengers more options and potentially lower fares due to carrier competition. However, this volume places immense strain on infrastructure that is currently under construction.

The data indicates a sharp trade-off between volume and reliability. O’Hare’s on-time performance hovered around 64% in 2025, significantly lower than Atlanta’s 79%. For the consumer, the choice between O’Hare and Atlanta may now come down to a preference for schedule frequency (O’Hare) versus operational reliability (Atlanta).

Infrastructure and Future Outlook

The traffic surge comes as Chicago continues its massive “O’Hare 21” modernization project. The city is currently constructing Satellite Concourse 1 and planning a new Global Terminal to replace Terminal 2. These projects are designed to integrate domestic and international operations more seamlessly, though construction logistics currently add to the complexity of ground operations.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson welcomed the news as a sign of economic recovery for the region.

“This is more than a statistic, it’s a statement about Chicago’s momentum… We are open for business, open to the world.”

— Mayor Brandon Johnson (via City of Chicago press statements)

Aviation analysts expect the rivalry between United and American to persist through 2026, likely keeping flight volumes high. However, the gap in passenger numbers between Chicago and Atlanta is expected to remain, as Atlanta continues to maximize efficiency with larger airframes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is O’Hare the busiest airport in the world?
A: In terms of passenger traffic, no, Atlanta (ATL) generally holds that title. O’Hare is currently the busiest in the U.S. regarding flight operations (takeoffs and landings).

Q: Why did O’Hare beat Atlanta this year?
A: The primary drivers were aggressive schedule expansions by United and American Airlines, resulting in a 10.5% increase in flight operations year-over-year.

Q: Does more flights mean more delays?
A: Often, yes. In 2025, O’Hare reported an on-time performance rate of approximately 64%, while Atlanta maintained a higher reliability rate of 79%.

Sources

CBS News, City of Chicago Department of Aviation