American Airlines Marks Milestone 70 Years of Service at Chicago O’Hare International Airport
- Joe Breitfeller
- 53 minutes ago
- 2 min read
American Airlines joined the City of Chicago to celebrate the 70th anniversary of commercial air service at O’Hare on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
On Wednesday (October 29, 2025) American Airlines celebrated 70 years of service at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD). On this date 70 years ago, Trans World Airlines (TWA), which would later be acquired by American, took off from Chicago’s new airport. A dedication ceremony drew 23,000 people to the airport to witness the historic departure of TWA Flight 94, bound for Paris, the first ceremonial flight that officially opened the airport for commercial service on Oct. 29, 1955. American joined the City of Chicago on Wednesday to bring history to life by returning the TWA heritage livery back to the airport. Guests onboard American Flight 2743 were treated to a surprise gate celebration and water cannon salute to mark the occasion. American’s Boeing 737-800 Astrojet heritage livery aircraft also passed through Chicago on Wednesday, transporting ORD back to the 1950s for the landmark occasion.
In Wednesday’s announcement, American’s SVP – Global Airports, Contact Centers, and Inflight Dining Operations, Julie Rath, said,
“For 70 years, American has grown alongside O’Hare, helping shape it into one of the world’s leading aviation hubs. We’re proud to stand with our partners today at the City of Chicago and Chicago Department of Aviation to honor the incredible history we share and celebrate the investments we’ve made together to elevate Chicago as a world-class destination. Fueled by our unwavering commitment to our Chicago team and customers, as well as the vibrant communities that keep the city thriving, we look forward to our future as the airline that sets the standard at ORD.”
Chicago O’Hare’s scheduled passenger service began the day after the dedication ceremony, with American leading the way. On Oct. 30, 1955, Flight 715 from Detroit marked the airport’s first scheduled arrival, followed by the first scheduled departure, American Flight 566 to Cincinnati. In October 1955, American operated up to 16 daily flights to/from Chicago. This milestone comes as American prepares to celebrate their centennial year, with the first American flight carrying U.S. mail from St. Louis to Chicago in 1926.
American Airlines Celebrates 70 Years of Service at ORD (TWA Lockheed Constellation Pictured) - Courtesy American Airlines
Based on departing flights, O’Hare is American’s third-largest hub, and serves as its Midwest connection point, with service to over 160 destinations in 17 countries. The carrier has approximately 9,500 ORD-based team members.
Source: American Airlines
