Emanuel names Midway Airport advisory panel

CHICAGO — Mayor Rahm Emanuel has named seven people to a committee that will oversee a possible public-private partnership for Midway International Airport.

Emanuel said in a press release Friday the Midway Advisory Panel will represent the public interest for any potential transaction and "ensure transparency, integrity and thorough deliberation" in the process.

The panel includes two aldermen, a representative of organized labor and the chair of the Metropolitan Planning Council.

Emanuel said last month the city would seek private bidders interested in leasing Midway for no more than 40 years.

The mayor says he wants enough cash from the deal to pay off the airport's roughly $1.4 billion in debt, and then to split profits with the private operator.