The gloves came off.
American Airlines launched five new nonstop routes on Thursday, appearing to further intensify its ongoing turf war with rival United Airlines.
American’s new routes include three from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), which has become a hot spot in the competition between the Fort Worth-based airline and United over the last year.
Fierce rivalry: Manchester United distance themselves from Team USA in Chicago turf war
Starting May 21, American Airlines will add flights from Chicago to Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Columbia, South Carolina. On December 17, American Airlines will launch a high-profile seasonal route to Maui, Hawaii. Two of the routes – Maui and Allentown – will compete directly with United’s existing service.
The news comes just a day after United CEO Scott Kirby pledged to distance himself from American Airlines at ORD.
American Airlines and United Airlines each operate a major hub at Oled Airport and have been working tirelessly to expand market share there at the expense of the other.
“We’re not going to let them win any gates at our expense through 2026,” Kirby said of American Airlines in Chicago during the company’s quarterly earnings call Wednesday, highlighting the growing competition.
Beyond Chicago, American appears to have opened a new front in its turf war with Manchester United. The company announced two routes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), another city where American Airlines and United Airlines each operate hubs.
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American’s new routes from LAX will fly to Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C., one of United’s main East Coast hubs, as well as Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), a key city for United. American Airlines will launch both routes in April.
“American’s new routes from Chicago and Los Angeles are just another way the airline is serving a variety of traveler needs by providing unparalleled connectivity across the United States,” Brian Znotins, American’s senior vice president of network and schedule planning, said in a statement.
American Airlines new route from Chicago
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) near Allentown, Pennsylvania
Starting from May 21, Embraer E170 regional jets will operate two flights per day. The service will operate year-round.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), South Carolina
Starting from May 21, Embraer E170 regional jets will operate two flights per day. The service will operate year-round.
Kahului Airport (OGG) on the island of Maui, Hawaii
Daily flights started on December 17, operated by Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. Seasonal service will continue until March 27.
American Airlines new route from Los Angeles
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
Starting from April 7, one flight per day will be operated by a Boeing 737 jet. The service will operate year-round.
Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, DC
Starting from April 7, one flight per day will be operated by a Boeing 737 jet. The service will operate year-round.
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