On June 4, 2001, Orbitz (NYSE: OWW) officially launched www.orbitz.com. Formed by leading U.S. airlines, Orbitz has grown to be a premier global online travel company that uses innovative technology to enable leisure and business travelers to research, plan and book a broad range of travel products. Orbitz Worldwide now owns a strong global portfolio of consumer travel brands that includes Orbitz, CheapTickets, ebookers, HotelClub, RatesToGo, the Away Network, Asia hotels, and corporate travel brand Orbitz for Business.
In October of 2000, Orbitz informed Governor Ryan and Mayor Daley that the company was searching for a location for its headquarters. World Business Chicago and the City's Department of Planning and Development assisted in the search of available office space in the Central Business District. Orbitz chose to locate at 200 South Wacker in the Windy City. Orbitz Inc. became a publicly traded company on Dec. 17, 2003, when its Class A shares began trading on the Nasdaq National Market.
Today, Orbitz has more than 1,000 employees and has relocated to its new headquarters operation in downtown Chicago at 500 West Madison.
Orbitz prides itself on an easy-to-use matrix that displays a vast array of travel options for business and leisure travelers alike. The company remains committed to its roots in Chicago and is a prime example of how tech companies can thrive in the city.
