American Airlines is set to resume its longest domestic route this year, connecting Chicago O’Hare to Honolulu. The route will return on October 26, following a hiatus since 2021 due to the pandemic. This marks the first time in four years that two non-stop airlines—American and United—will again serve this route.
The 3,687-nautical-mile (6,828 km) flight has been part of American’s network for decades. In the 1990s, the airline flew the McDonnell Douglas DC-10, which was later replaced by the Boeing 767-300ER in 2001. By 2014, the route was discontinued, but it briefly returned in 2018 with the Boeing 787-8, and occasionally the 787-9 and 777-200ER. However, the pandemic caused another suspension in 2021, leaving the route’s future uncertain.
Now, American plans to relaunch non-stop flights using its 234-seat 787-8, which is expected to operate daily. The route will likely be seasonal, running during the winter months. Once resumed, Chicago O’Hare to Honolulu will be served three times daily by both American and United, a frequency last available in early 2020.
Interestingly, American previously offered an even longer domestic route from Charlotte to Honolulu, covering 4,065 nautical miles (7,528 km) on the Boeing 777-200ER. However, that route was short-lived, operating from May 2021 to January 2022, mainly due to aircraft availability during the pandemic.
With this return to Honolulu, American Airlines strengthens its domestic route network, bringing back a popular connection with a rich history.
