Chicago City Wire

Seventy years ago, O’Hare International Airport saw its first commercial passenger flight when a Trans World Airlines (TWA) aircraft departed for Paris. According to the Chicago Tribune’s coverage from that day, “The air line first scheduled to depart the new terminal was Trans World Airlines’ Trip 94, destinations Paris and Cairo. First passenger to board was Mrs. Dorothy Marth, 23, Kankakee, Ill., who is heading for Paris to join her husband, Weldon, an army private stationed there for two more years. Capt. Joseph W. Grant of New York City started his engines and rolled away at 10 a.m.”

On Wednesday, officials from the City of Chicago and American Airlines marked the 70th anniversary by welcoming an American Airlines TWA Heritage Livery flight at O’Hare.

Mayor Brandon Johnson reflected on the airline’s longstanding presence in Chicago aviation: “From O’Hare’s very first passenger flight, American Airlines has been woven into the fabric of our city’s aviation legacy,” Johnson said. “As American continues to grow and invest in Chicago, we look forward to building on this partnership and shaping the next 70 years of progress together.”

Commissioner Michael McMurray of the Chicago Department of Aviation described how O’Hare grew after its opening: “When O’Hare opened for business in October 1955, just four airlines — United, American, TWA, and Northwest Orient — operated flights to 23 destinations,” he said. “By the end of 1956, O’Hare was also served by BOAC, Braniff, Capital, Delta, Eastern, North Central, Pan Am, and United, along with freight carriers Riddle and Slick. Those early days set the foundation for O’Hare’s transformation into a global aviation hub.”

American Airlines Executive Vice President Nate Gatten highlighted his company’s ongoing role at O'Hare: “Launching the first passenger flight from O’Hare was just the beginning for American. Over the next seven decades we invested billions of dollars into the airport and partnered closely with the City of Chicago to shape O’Hare into the leading aviation hub it is today,” Gatten said. “We are proud to celebrate this milestone alongside our long-standing partners at the City and Chicago Department of Aviation — a testament to the power of our shared vision and sustained investments that have kept Chicago at the forefront of the world for 70 years. Now, we look ahead to an even stronger O’Hare as we bolster our ORD network, transform the customer experience and reaffirm our commitment to our team, customers and entire Chicago community.”

O'Hare began operations with innovation as a key focus; it opened what was then considered America’s first corporate aviation terminal in 1955—a $1 million facility known as "Skymotive." In its early years growth was slow because airlines continued using Midway Airport until major upgrades were completed at O'Hare.

By 1957 more than $25 million had been spent expanding facilities including terminals and runways at O'Hare; August 1958 saw its first dedicated international terminal open followed by construction on what are now Terminals 2 and 3 which debuted January 1st ,1962 . The Kennedy Expressway's completion in 1960 helped solidify O'Hare's position as Chicago's main airport.

Currently serving over 260 destinations globally ,O'Hare remains one of busiest airports worldwide .The airport is progressing with its ORDNext capital program aimed at preparing for future travel demands while continuing commitments with airline partners focused on enhancing opportunities ,job support ,and global connectivity.