“As one of the city's largest private employers and its hometown airline, we are excited to deepen our roots here in Chicago while making the investments needed to reimagine the headquarters for our employees,” says Oscar Muñoz, United's chief executive officer. “The investments we are making will help our employees provide unparalleled service to our front-line colleagues and to our customers as we continue to improve and realize our airline's full potential.”

The new agreement extends United's existing lease to March 31, 2033. Additionally, Blackstone is already investing more than $500 million into Willis Tower for all tenants, which will transform the building from the inside out. The renovations,  the biggest restorative transformation in the building's 43-year history, include the addition of Catalog, a five-story immersive neighborhood experience with 300,000 square feet of new retail, dining, conferencing, events and entertainment space, over 125,000 square feet of tenant exclusive amenities, and a 30,000 square feet outdoor deck and garden.

“We are thrilled with United's decision to remain at Willis Tower in a reimagined headquarters,” says Jon Gray, Blackstone's president. “This is terrific news for Chicago and a testament to our exciting $500 million revitalization program underway at the property. We look forward to partnering with United in this effort. Willis Tower will continue its role as an iconic business, retail and tourist destination in the heart of the city.”

With easy access to all CTA train lines, Union and Ogilvie Stations, as well as nearby bus stops, Willis Tower already provides distinct advantages and will remain attractive to future job seekers throughout the metropolitan region. Commercial real estate services firm Jones Lang LaSalle represented United in the deal.