A new chapter for Chicago: American to launch nonstop service to Tokyo

• American will launch nonstop service between Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) starting March 27, 2027, becoming the airline's 11th long-haul route from ORD.
• In partnership with Japan Airlines, customers will also enjoy convenient one-stop connecting service to top destinations in Asia while enjoying AAdvantage^® status benefits.
• As part of the airline's competitive network, new service to Charlottesville, Virginia (CHO), and Ontario, California (ONT), will take off starting this winter.

CHICAGO - Whether it's hiking up Mount Fuji, taking photos during cherry blossom season or enjoying a world-renowned omakase experience, travelers looking to check 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.

Meaningfully bridging the Pacific

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's flights will be timed to offer 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. Moreover, status members can enjoy elevated benefits such as access to lounges, extra baggage allowance and more.

American will utilize a Boeing 787-9 featuring 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), starting in November and Ontario, California (ONT), starting in December. Joining more than 150 destinations already flown by American 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 provides access to popular outdoor getaways. Meanwhile, Ontario complements American's existing service to nearby Los Angeles (LAX) and Orange County (SNA), providing another option for travelers visiting Southern California.

Investing in ORD

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 industry-leading AAdvantage^® program offering incredibly valuable miles that can be redeemed for sporting events, upgrades, lounge passes, flights and more.

Tickets for American's service will be available for purchase on aa.com and through the airline's mobile app.

About American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL)

American Airlines is a premium global airline connecting more of the U.S. to the world. With roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the Midwestern United States in 1926, American now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more than 200 million customers annually. Powered by a proud and talented team of 130,000 aviation professionals, American's team lives out the airline's purpose of caring for people on life's journey every day.

The world's largest airline proudly celebrates its centennial year in 2026, reaching a milestone that reflects a century of innovation and the Forever Forward^℠ spirit that changed the industry and the world. American introduced the first scheduled air cargo service, the first airport lounge and the first airline loyalty program and continues to reinvent the customer experience today. The airline is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe.

Get the latest about American at news.aa.com and @AmericanAir.