dailynewsnblog
Fort Worth, Texas-based 
American Airlines is heating up its ongoing turf war with 
United Airlines in the Windy City. The legacy carrier announced on Wednesday that it will bring back its long-haul service between 
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and 
Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo in 2027 after a seven-year pause.
The news comes less than two months after United unveiled the same route to expand its presence in Japan. In what American refers to as “real momentum” at its Chicago hub, the airline will also resume two domestic routes, in addition to Tokyo.
Confirmed: American Resuming Long-Haul Chicago-Tokyo Flights
American alerted its ORD employees of the announcement in an internal memo obtained by aviation insider JonNYC on Tuesday. The carrier explained that its CEO, Robert Isom, would make a special visit to disclose “a major reveal” and host “a team pep rally to celebrate” its employees at its “most competitive hub.” The pep rally took place at 10 AM on Wednesday between the H and K concourses in Terminal 3.
Rumors of a new Asia route gained particular traction after American posted a blurred photo on social media on Tuesday depicting what appeared to be a Tokyo landscape. The image, later obtained in unblurred form by JonNYC, offered a clearer perspective, fueling the speculation even more.
ORD-NRT flights are set to launch on March 27 with the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The service, which will operate daily, will become American’s 11th long-haul route from its Chicago hub, and will also complement oneworld partner Japan Airlines’ (JAL) existing service. In a statement, Isom commented on how the reinstated route strengthens American’s hub.
“American is proud to mark a new chapter in travel from Chicago with service to Tokyo. 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.”
Rather than its newer premium-heavy 787-9s featuring Flagship suites, American will use its standard 787-9s on the route, which still offer 30 Flagship Business and 21 premium economy seats.
Coinciding With Japan Airlines’ Tokyo Fortress
The last time American flew nonstop between Chicago and Tokyo Narita was in January 2020, according to aviation data and analytics firm Cirium. While the flight times have not yet been disclosed, the airline said they will be “timed to offer convenient onward connections from NRT” on JAL-operated flights to popular destinations such as Bangkok, Singapore, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City, and others.
The two carriers’ partnership is rooted in the Pacific Joint Business agreement, which allows coordinated operations between the two carriers to enhance the transpacific journey between North America and East Asia. In addition, American said AAdvantage members will be able to earn more miles and loyalty points when traveling on JAL.
As Tokyo and Chicago both attract leisure and business travelers, the resumed route will expand trade, support tourism, and create jobs, according to Phill Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago. Clement also remarked that the “nonstop service between Chicago and Tokyo is a significant economic development win and a powerful investment in our city’s global competitiveness.”
Japan Airlines To Resume Tokyo-Chicago Flights & Increase West Coast Frequencies
JAL will partner with American Airlines on the new flight from Tokyo Narita, which supplements its existing service from Tokyo Haneda Airport.
Ontario & Charlottesville On The Comeback
United’s ORD-NRT flights will begin much earlier, on October 24. However, amid the heated rivalry, American is also determined to expand domestically. The carrier announced that Ontario, California, and Charlottesville, Virginia, will return to its Chicago network. It last operated flights between ORD and Ontario International Airport (ONT) in 2021, while service between ORD and Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport (CHO) was previously offered in 2020 but was discontinued due to the pandemic, data shows. Both routes are set to launch in the fall.
Service to ONT will add to American’s strong presence in the Southern California region. The carrier flies to four of the five airports serving the Los Angeles basin. From ONT, American also flies to its hubs in Phoenix and Dallas/Fort Worth. Flights to and from Charlotte have been temporarily discontinued due to high fuel costs.
With a key focus on investing in Chicago, American says it “has rebuilt its hub at ORD with Chicagoans in mind.” The three resumed routes are part of over 30 destinations the carrier has added to its network in the last few years.
