Press Release|Public Finance
KBRA Assigns Long-Term Ratings of A to Series 2023A&B of Chicago Midway Airport Senior Lien Revenue Bonds; Affirms A Rating on Outstanding Second Lien Bonds; Outlook is Stable
11 Oct 2023 | New York
KBRA assigns a long-term rating of A with a Stable Outlook to the City of Chicago – Chicago Midway Senior Lien Airport Revenue and Refunding Bonds Series 2023A (AMT) and Senior Lien Refunding Bonds, Series 2023B. Additionally, KBRA affirms the long-term rating of A, and Stable Outlook, on the Airport’s outstanding Second Lien Revenue Bonds.
Key Credit Considerations
The rating actions reflect the following key credit considerations:
Credit Positives
- Strong, diverse, expansive air trade area supports O&D activity
- Ranks as the third busiest airport in its dominant carrier’s (Southwest) route system as measured by enplanements and scheduled seat capacity
- Residual agreements obligate airlines, mainly Southwest, to absorb necessary rate and rental charge increases
Credit Challenges
- High level of carrier concentration, as Southwest accounts for nearly 90% of enplaned passenger activity
- Narrow debt service coverage, reflecting an adequate, although strengthened, rate covenant and residual airport use agreement
- Non-airline revenue performance ranks among the lowest of U.S. commercial airports
Rating Sensitivities
For Upgrade
- Diversification of the carrier mix with concurrent enplanement growth
- Successful transformation of terminal concessions, resulting in enhanced non-airline revenue support
For Downgrade
- Significant reduction in Southwest Airlines operations at Midway
To access rating and relevant documents, click here.