A new chapter for Chicago: American launches nonstop service to Tokyo | News
Whether it’s climbing Mount Fuji, taking photos during cherry blossom season or enjoying a world-famous omakase experience, travelers looking to cross a visit to Tokyo off their bucket list will soon have a new travel option. Starting next spring, American will launch new nonstop service to Tokyo (NRT) from its hub in Chicago (ORD) in partnership with Japan Airlines.
CEO Robert Isom joined customers and team members for a celebration of the new route at the iconic Hall of Flags in Terminal 3 – American’s home at ORD, where more than 40,000 customers pass through each day on one of more than 500 daily flights. Earlier this week, Isom also celebrated the new service at a reception for the Chicagoland community.
“American is proud to mark a new chapter in travel from Chicago with flights 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 making our hub stronger, broadening customer choices and keeping Chicago competitive on the global stage. Coupled with our continued investments to improve the customer experience from start to finish, American is incredibly excited about 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 share in the richness of Japanese culture, while providing Chicago residents with a new direct connection to explore Japan firsthand. These historic investments at O’Hare International Airport reflect our continued commitment to growth as a leading global city and an international hub for travel and commerce.”
“The new nonstop service between Chicago and Tokyo is a major win for economic development and a powerful investment in our city’s global competitiveness,” said Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago. “Direct global connectivity is essential to attracting businesses, expanding commerce, supporting tourism and creating jobs. American Airlines remains a strong partner in advancing Chicago’s growth, and this route will strengthen our ties with one of the world’s leading economic centers while creating new opportunities in Chicagoland.”
Bridging the Pacific Ocean in a meaningful way
Under the Pacific Joint Business Agreement, American and Japan Airlines are working together to enhance the customer journey and provide key services between North America and East Asia. Tokyo is a major global economic center and a vibrant city, attracting both business and leisure travelers, and travelers consistently rank Japan as one of their top destinations.
In addition, American’s flights will be timed to provide convenient 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. In addition, status members can enjoy extensive benefits such as lounge access, additional baggage allowance and more.
American will operate a Boeing 787-9 with 30 Flagship® Business and 21 Premium Economy seats on its daily, year-round flight.
Strengthening domestic connections
American will also add two new cities to its ORD network: Charlottesville, Virginia (CHO), beginning in November and Ontario, California (ONT), beginning in December. In addition to the more than 150 destinations American already flies in the U.S., Charlottesville and Ontario are natural extensions of the airline’s competitive network from ORD.
Charlottesville is home to historic sites, a major university, and also offers access to popular outdoor excursions. Meanwhile, Ontario will complement American’s existing service to nearby Los Angeles (LAX) and Orange County (SNA), providing a new option for travelers visiting Southern California.
Investing in Works Council
American has rebuilt its hub at ORD with Chicagoans in mind. Tokyo, Charlottesville and Ontario are just the latest examples of more than 30 new destinations American has offered in recent years.
The new destinations are complementary to the enhanced customer experience that 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 travels.
Flagship Suite® seats are the only lie-flat seating product with a privacy door offered by a Chicago-based U.S. airline and available on all flights from ORD to LHR.
Enhanced onboard offering with premium seating on every ORD flight.
These investments have resonated with Chicagoland travelers, as evidenced by growing enrollment in the industry-leading AAdvantage® program, which offers incredibly valuable miles redeemable for sporting events, upgrades, lounge passes, flights and more.
Travel Tip: AAdvantage® members have the opportunity to use system-wide upgrades when traveling between Chicago and Tokyo.
Tickets for American’s service will be available for purchase at aa.com and through the airline’s mobile app.
