Starting next spring, American Airlines will launch new nonstop service to Tokyo (NRT) from its hub in Chicago (ORD) in partnership with Japan Airlines.
CEO Robert Isom joined the celebration of the new route at the Hall of Flags in Terminal 3. “American [Airlines] is proud to mark a new chapter in travel from Chicago with service to Tokyo,” said Isom. “Built on the strong foundation of our 100-year history in Chicago and an incredible partnership with Japan Airlines, this new service is a testament to our continued commitment to make our hub stronger, broaden choices for customers and keep Chicago competitive on the world stage. Coupled with our continued investments enhancing the customer experience from start to finish, American is incredibly excited for the future ahead.”
“Chicago is proud to celebrate American’s new flight to Tokyo-Narita,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “We look forward to welcoming more visitors from Japan to experience all that Chicago has to offer and to sharing in the richness of Japanese culture, while offering Chicagoans a new direct connection to explore Japan firsthand. These landmark investments at O’Hare International Airport reflect our continued commitment to growth as a premier global city and an international hub for travel and commerce.”
“New nonstop service between Chicago and Tokyo is a significant economic development win and a powerful investment in our city’s global competitiveness,” said Phil Clement, president & CEO, World Business Chicago. “Direct global connectivity is essential to attracting business, expanding trade, supporting tourism and creating jobs. American Airlines continues to be a strong partner in advancing Chicago’s growth, and this route will strengthen our ties to one of the world’s leading economic centers while creating new opportunities across Chicagoland.”
Under the Pacific Joint Business agreement, American and Japan Airlines cooperate to enhance the customer journey and provide important service between North America and East Asia. Tokyo is a key global economic hub and vibrant city, attracting business and leisure travelers alike, and travelers consistently rank Japan as one of their top destinations.
In addition, American Airlines’ flights will be timed to offer onward connections from NRT operated by Japan Airlines to popular destinations such as Bangkok (BKK); Singapore (SIN); Taipei (TPE); Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (SGN); and more. AAdvantage members can earn miles and Loyalty Points when traveling with Japan Airlines. Moreover, status members can enjoy elevated benefits such as access to lounges, extra baggage allowance and more.
American Airlines will utilize a Boeing 787-9 featuring 30 Flagship Business and 21 Premium Economy seats on its daily year-round flight.
American Airlines will also add two new cities to its ORD network: Charlottesville, Virginia (CHO), starting in November and Ontario, California (ONT), starting in December.
Charlottesville is home to historic sites, a major university and also provides access to popular outdoor getaways. Meanwhile, Ontario complements American’s existing service to nearby Los Angeles (LAX) and Orange County (SNA).
American has rebuilt its hub at ORD with Chicagoans in mind. Tokyo, Charlottesville and Ontario are just the latest examples complementing more than 30 new destinations offered by American in the last few years.
The new destinations are complementary to the elevated customer experience American is building at ORD:
- A new Admiral’s Club lounge spanning more than 10,000 square feet to give customers more space to relax during their travel journey.
- Flagship Suite seats are the only product featuring lie-flat seating and a privacy door offered by a U.S. airline from Chicago and available on all flights from ORD to LHR.
- Enhanced onboard offerings with premium seating on every flight from ORD.
These investments have resonated with Chicagoland travelers, as evidenced by growing enrollments in the AAdvantage program offering valuable miles that can be redeemed for sporting events, upgrades, lounge passes, flights and more.
Tickets for American Airlines’ service will be available for purchase on aa.com and through the airline’s mobile app.
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