If one sets aside hometown bias, it's even possible to think Dallas has an edge. Denver falls short in all respects, especially its poor flight connections to international cities. Dallas partisans, speaking for Fort Worth and all of north Texas too, piped up about the region having no taxes on personal income or corporate income. They also said they offer proximity to American and Southwest airlines, which are headquartered there, and to Houston-based Continental Airlines. Boeing has some manufacturing in north Texas, and moving there might make sense for an important division that deals with the space program.
International connections are Chicago's powerful uppercut to Dallas.
Chicago offers direct service to 65 foreign cities, with nonstop flights to most, easily beating Dallas. It also offers two major airports, three airline hubs and the headquarters of United, Boeing's biggest customer. Mayor Daley, promising to work in tandem with Gov. Ryan to woo Boeing, focused on the air connections. We believe we have the transportation system. Government officials here said that argument will be backed by data about the city's deep, well-educated labor force and quality of life.