CHICAGO - The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) today announced the first regularly-scheduled passenger service from O’Hare International Airport on an Airbus A380—the largest commercial aircraft in the sky. Beginning May 8, 2018, British Airways will start flying its state-of-the-art Airbus A380 superjumbo daily between Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and London Heathrow (LHR).

In addition to a new, luxurious option for international travelers at O’Hare, the upgrade to an A380 will expand capacity on currently scheduled flights #294 and #295 by 20 percent.

“The addition of the Airbus A380 for direct service from O’Hare to London is great news for travelers in Chicago and around the world,” said Ginger S. Evans, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation. “Chicago is always looking for ways to offer our passengers new and improved options for international travel. Thanks to our partners at British Airways, we will bring more visitors directly to our City on one of the largest and most exciting aircraft in the world.”

The British Airways A380 can accommodate up to 469 customers in four cabins across two full decks, providing more space than traditional aircrafts and amenities for all travel occasions. The A380 includes seats that convert into full beds and advanced cabin air conditioning system that allows 15 different temperature control zones, with cabin air changed every three minutes. Customers can also enjoy on-demand seat-back entertainment, with more than 1,600 hours of programming, including 130 movies and 650 TV shows from around the world.

"Customers love our Airbus A380 with its refreshed cabins, enhanced entertainment system and improved quality air,” said Simon Brooks, British Airways’ Senior Vice President Sales, North America. “We're delighted to be the first airline to offer regularly scheduled service on the A380 between Chicago and London. 

For those traveling for business to London or customers heading to Europe on vacation, this is an exceptional start to their travels."

The A380 will operate on British Airways flight #295, departing London at

10:50 a.m. and arriving Chicago at 1:25 p.m. The return flight, British Airways flight #294, departs Chicago at 5:30 p.m. and arrives in London Heathrow at 7:20 a.m. the next morning. Including service by the A380, passengers between Chicago and London have the flexibility to choose from six flights operated daily by British Airways and joint business partner American Airlines.

To service the A380 and to boost international capacity, O’Hare has prepared for an increased number of wide body aircraft with the construction of new runway, 10C/28C, and a new gate to accommodate Group VI aircraft at International Terminal 5. The addition of runway 10C/28C, along the new runway 9C/27C, will soon deliver two international capable runways at O'Hare.

O’Hare is ranked number one for connectivity among the world’s mega hubs for the highest ratio of possible scheduled connections to number of destinations served. To maintain its status as an easily accessible and viable destination for international travelers, the City is working to grow international capacity at O’Hare. These investments are a part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's O’Hare 21 vision—a multi-billion capital program that will strengthen one of Chicago’s biggest economic drivers by adding a new global terminal, modernizing existing terminals, creating new gates, and making other critical improvements that will better connect travelers and Chicago to other parts of the world.

For booking information, please visit ba.com or call 1-800 AIRWAYS.