The nine-person delegation partnered with the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest to coordinate the Chicago visit. Their purpose was to reinforce and deepen business contacts between Niedersachsen and the USA, and also to highlight the advantages of Niedersachsen as a business location in the heart of Europe. The group was comprised of diverse backgrounds with an interest in the aviation industry and its connection to greater regional economic activity.

During their visit to O'Hare, the German business leaders met with CDA representatives from the areas of airline relations, design and construction, airport planning, and the O'Hare Modernization Program (OMP). The group discussed airport operations and construction, air service and cargo development. They were also given tours of OMP construction activities and the CDA's operations tower.

Niedersachsen delegation touring O'Hare International Airport's airfield.

Niedersachsen is home to companies including Volkswagen AG and NORD/LB, one of Germany's 10 largest banks. In addition to automotive and shipbuilding companies, Niedersachsen is home to companies in the energy, aviation, logistics and life sciences sectors. Every year, the world's largest industrial trade fair, Hannover Messe, and the CeBIT computer fair, are staged in Hannover, the capital of Niedersachsen.

Since CDA Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino's appointment in 2009, the CDA has hosted international delegations from Sweden; Amsterdam, Germany, Netherlands; Latin America; the Caribbean; Singapore; Belgrade, Serbia; Abu Dhabi, UAE; Beijing, China; Incheon, South Korea; Henan Province, China; Zhoushan, China; and countries of the former Soviet Union and the United Kingdom.