CHICAGO — American Airlines, in partnership with the Chicago Department of Aviation and the Consulate General of Italy in Chicago, hosted an inaugural event Tuesday evening to mark American’s new service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Naples-Capodichino International Airport (NAP).

“A visit to the port city of Naples has so much to offer — from exploring the ancient ruins of Pompeii to tasting pizza in the city it was created or traveling to the nearby picturesque Amalfi Coast,” said Ben Humphrey, American’s Vice President of ORD Operations. “Connecting Chicagoans to Italy’s third-largest city for the first time is a point of pride for American and our ORD-based team members who are committed to serving our customers as we offer more capacity from ORD this summer than ever before.”

Customers on board the inaugural flight were treated to a special sendoff celebration Tuesday evening, complete with traditional entertainment, Italian pastries and decorations for customers to enjoy before boarding the historic flight.

“I’m proud to welcome Chicago’s first-ever nonstop service to Naples, Italy — a milestone that expands O’Hare’s international network and affirms our city’s status as a leading global gateway,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Thank you to American Airlines for connecting Chicagoans to the rich food, culture, and history of Naples as we begin what is projected to be the busiest summer in our airport system’s history.”

Chicago’s only nonstop service to Naples will operate daily this summer. The flight departs ORD at 8:25 p.m. CT and lands in Naples at 1 p.m. local time the following day.

“It is truly an honor as Consul General of Italy to celebrate the launch of American Airlines nonstop service between Chicago and Naples,” said Mario Alberto Bartoli, the Consul General of Italy in Chicago. “This moment is more than a ribbon-cutting. It is the embodiment of vision, partnership, and opportunity, as it represents a new chapter of connections between not only two great cities, Chicago and Naples, but between our communities, companies university and research institutions.”

Naples joins a lineup of 10 daily departures to eight European destinations from ORD, including new service to Madrid (MAD), as well as Athens (ATH), Barcelona (BCN), Dublin (DUB), London (LHR), Paris (CDG) and Rome (FCO). Including flights on partner airlines, American’s customers will have access to up to 41 daily flights to 17 countries this summer. The airline will fly more capacity this summer from ORD than ever before and will be the only airline to offer premium options on every flight from Chicago.

Service to Naples operates with a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, with a capacity for 20 passengers in Business Class, 28 in Premium Economy and 186 in Main Cabin. Flights between Naples and the U.S. will be operated with modern aircraft offering passengers a complete high-end experience including lie-flat Flagship® Business Class and Premium Economy seats, state-of-the-art interiors, live TV streaming, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a curated collection of inflight entertainment options that includes more than 1,500 movies, tv shows, audio and lifestyle offerings.

About American Airlines Group

As a leading global airline, American Airlines offers thousands of flights per day to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries. The airline is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL. Learn more about what’s happening at American by visiting news.aa.com and connect with American @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines. To Care for People on Life’s Journey®.

About the Chicago Department of Aviation:

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) owns and operates one of the world's busiest airport systems, comprised of O'Hare and Midway International Airports. Chicago's airports offer service to more than 260 nonstop destinations worldwide, including 76 international destinations, combined. Together, Chicago's airports serve more than 100 million passengers each year and generate approximately $70 billion in annual economic activity for the region while supporting 700,000 jobs throughout nine counties. More than 54,000 employees work directly at O’Hare and Midway.

The CDA is self-supporting, using no local or state tax dollars for operations or capital improvements at either airport. For more information, visit flychicago.com.