What went on during Mayor Rahm Emanuel's Monday morning summit with top airline executives?
Emanuel said a system for routing jets was discussed, as was training an educated workforce. But the executives, seen sneaking out of the mayor's office after an hour-long discussion, weren't talking. They left through an inner office door to slip away from the media.
When Ward Room spotted one exec in the hallway, she refused to comment.
The closed-door meeting was expected to include discussion of the O'Hare expansion project and possible privatization of Midway International Airport. Leaders from United, American, US Airways and Southwest airlines reportedly were among the anticipated attendees.
The continuing expansion of O'Hare International Airport likely was a main topic. In March, a deal was reached to sidestep a lawsuit to fund $1.17 billion of the project. Another $2.25 billion worth of construction has been discussed but tabled until no later than March 2013.
The possible privatization of Midway may also have been discussed, though Emanuel said he doesn't currently support the move.
"We have a period of time to make that decision," Emanuel said Friday. "We have some things that are going to come before it. At the right time, I'll look at that. As you know, as I said before, I'm against privatization. That doesn't mean you can't monetize assets, but as it relates to privatization, I'm not part of that. That's not part of the discussion."
Was it part of the discussion? For now, some folks are keeping mum.
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