GARY | Gary/Chicago International Airport officials have had recent discussions with President Barack Obama's support team and the Secret Service regarding potential landings at the facility of Air Force One, the airport director confirms.
Director Chris Curry said he hopes the Gary air field could be used by the presidential jet during times when O'Hare Airport is too backed up.
"From my understanding, there are 13 aircraft in the presidential inventory, and two are Boeing 747s. The 747s cannot land, however, the others in the fleet can," Curry said Friday in an email to The Times. "I think out of all airports considered, the approach into Gary is considerably safer than landing at Midway crossing Cicero Avenue. O'Hare has the most secure landing, but it is a major disruption to the air traffic system."
The airport is planning a $90 million runway expansion to accommodate larger jets, but a lack of funding and environmental cleanup of former industrial land remain obstacles.
