After a day of leaks, American Airlines has finally confirmed it is to launch a route between Chicago O’Hare and Tokyo Narita Airport.
The route will launch on 27th March 2027, with the route becoming the airline’s 11th “long haul” destination from Chicago O’Hare, operating daily from the Midwest hub. This route has been launched under American’s and Japan Airlines’ Pacific Joint Business agreement to enhance the customer journey and provide important service between North America and East Asia.
Narita International Airport also provides onward connectivity with Japan Airlines. Popular connections include Bangkok, Singapore, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. American Airlines AAdvantage members can also take advantage of this, earning miles and Loyalty Points when travelling with Japan Airlines. Those who hold status within the programme can enjoy elevated benefits such as access to lounges, extra baggage allowance and more.
Supporting this operation, American Airlines will utilise a Boeing 787-9 featuring 30 Flagship Business, 21 Premium Economy, 34 Main Cabin Extra and 200 Main Cabin seats on its daily year-round flight.
Additional US Capacity
Whilst Tokyo-Narita got the main headline, the airline is planning to launch services to Charlottesville, Virginia starting in November and Ontario, California, starting in December, providing new options for education, travellers as well as a new South Californian gateway.
In Quotes
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said:
“American 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 Mayor Brandon Johnson added:
“Chicago is proud to celebrate American’s new flight to Tokyo-Narita,”
“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.”
Phil Clement, President & CEO, World Business Chicago, said:
“New nonstop service between Chicago and Tokyo is a significant economic development win and a powerful investment in our city’s global competitiveness,”
“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.”
Responding to United in its own way
American Airlines’ move is a “safe” move, with it working on its However, its main competitor at O’Hare – United – has already beaten American to the punch, with the airline planning to resume services to Narita in October 2026. In addition, United also covers Tokyo-Haneda.
And yes, both Japan Airlines and ANA operate to both Tokyo Narita and Tokyo Haneda.
It’s not the most exciting of launches (given the number of destinations that could be served), but it is safe, as it follows the demand to the land of the rising sun.
It’s another option for travellers, especially as it’s being operated under the AA/JAL Pacific Joint Venture Agreement, which should provide good connectivity options either at O’Hare or Narita.
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