American Airlines marked its 70th anniversary at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Wednesday with the appearance of two special livery aircraft.
American Flight 2743 from Salt Lake City operated on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with a vintage Trans World Airlines livery. Upon landing in Chicago, the passengers and crew got a water cannon salute, followed by a celebration at the gate.
TWA operated the first flight from O’Hare when scheduled commercial service started there in 1955. The airline was later acquired by American.
American’s Astrojet – a 737-800 adorned with a unique, retro-inspired livery – also passed through the airport on Wednesday.
“For 70 years, American has grown alongside O’Hare, helping shape it into one of the world’s leading aviation hubs,” said Julie Rath, American’s senior vice president of global airports, contact centers, and inflight dining operations. “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.”
Like TWA, American debuted at Chicago O’Hare in 1955, operating the first scheduled arrival. The carrier expanded its presence there in the following years and set up a hub in 1982. Chicago O’Hare is now the airline’s third-largest hub location and its Midwest connecting point, serving 160 destinations in 17 countries.
American will observe its 100th anniversary in 2026.
