The Loney Group - Airport, Airline and Aviation Consulting Press Releases and Awards

Loney To Consult For Airlines, Cities

CHICAGO SUN TIMES, MAY 31, 2000 - - Former Chicago Aviation Commissioner Mary Rose Loney is leaving Travelways, Inc. to return to her first love - this time as a consultant advising major airlines and cities like Chicago in the throes of airport expansion.

After just six months as Travelways president, Loney - who turns 48 next week - concluded that her 22 years of airport management expertise can be put to best use in her own Chicago-based consulting practice, to be known as the Loney Group.

Whether the clients are major airlines or the many cities across the nation lining up to expand airport facilities, Loney believes there will be enough work for her to thrive as a consultant-for-hire.

Already, Loney said, she has had discussions about consulting contracts with several would-be clients. Mayor Daley is not among them, she said.

"I could envision myself consulting with airports on operations issues - whether airside terminal or landside operations. I could also envision working with both airlines and airports on competition and air service issues," Loney said.

"In the last six months, I have heard for more airlines, contractors, aviation suppliers and former employers asking for my advice on issues," she said. "It showed me that there's a market for my expertise. I spent 22 years of my life building this expertise. Now is the time. Look at all of the development activity that's going on. The demand for my expertise is probably at its highest. Now is the right time to do this."

Loney served as Chicago's aviation commissioner for three years, battling clout-heavy contractors seeking control over a wealth of O'Hare Airport contracts and City Hall operatives maneuvering to fill airport jobs.

She left behind a giant political void at a critical time of expansion for both O'Hare and Midway airports, that has yet to be filled by Loney's replacement, Thomas Walker.

On Tuesday, Loney said she's not interested in a return engagement as Chicago's aviation commissioner. If she ventures back into the world of O'Hare as a private consultant, she could have her hands full.

Major airlines have reignited debate over building western access to O'Hare, which many suburbanites oppose amid fears it would lead to increased congestion on the ground and more flights in the air.

O'Hare must, indeed, contend with more operations now that flight caps are being phased out.

And Daley recently signaled his long-held desire to build a new runway at O'Hare amid a renewed push by airline and business leaders. Gov. Ryan, who has the final say over new runways, has indicated he's willing to talk to Daley about a Peotone-for-runway swap.