American airlines expands at chicago o'hare, revives tokyo route

After a seven-year hiatus, American Airlines is reviving its direct service between Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Tokyo's Narita International Airport (NRT), set to begin March 27, 2027.

Route details

The daily flight will operate on a Boeing 787-9, not the premium 787-9P with 51 business suites, but rather the standard layout with 30 suites. American's new Flagship Business Class on the 787 will offer a more affordable option for premium travelers.

This move comes amid intense competition with United Airlines at ORD, as both carriers added dozens of new flights and routes this summer to game the airport's gate assignment system. However, the Federal Aviation Administration stepped in earlier this year to cap flights at ORD to avoid congestion, forcing both airlines to pare back their planned summer schedules.

Asia connectivity

American's new ORD-NRT flight is part of its joint venture with Japan Airlines and will connect to the Japanese carrier's network of onward connections into Asia. According to Cirium schedules, JAL serves 12 destinations in Asia beyond NRT, including Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).

Connectivity is key for American, as it currently ranks third to Delta Air Lines and United Airlines in Asia, based on seats. While Delta and United boast extensive lists of nonstop flights to the region, American relies heavily on its partners and serves four cities (five airports, including both HND and NRT) with limited direct service.

Members of American's AAdvantage loyalty program will benefit from reciprocal perks, including lounge access and priority boarding, on JAL under their partnership.