The City of Fresno today announced the launch of daily non-stop air service between Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) beginning June 7, 2018. The new route will provide seamless air access from California’s Central Valley to the Midwest and convenient connections to the East Coast and European destinations. Ranked as the third largest city in the United States, Chicago serves as headquarters to several Fortune 500 companies and a variety of tourism attractions.
United Airlines’ commitment to providing non-stop service between Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport creates the opportunity for bridging future business prospects between the Central Valley and the Midwest while fulfilling a highly desired route for today’s business and leisure travelers.
“United Airlines recognizes what is happening with our growing and diversifying the economy by committing their resources to this very important market,” said Fresno Mayor Lee Brand. “This significant investment by the airline validates Fresno is a strong market to the Midwest and beyond and furthers the growing positive momentum that we have built over the past several years.”
“Chicago O’Hare International Airport consistently ranks as one of Fresno Yosemite International Airport’s Top 10 Markets where travelers are flying and has been a priority destination of Fresno Yosemite International Airport’s continuous air service development efforts,” said Director of Aviation Kevin Meikle. “We are beyond excited to share and celebrate today’s announcement with the community and the region as well as extend our appreciation to United Airlines’ for its commitment to Fresno and the Central Valley.”
Non-stop air service to a prominent destination such as Chicago increases Fresno’s visibility as an attractive and progressive city with diverse service to major air transportation hubs. United Airlines’ expanded investment in the Fresno market is anticipated to result in significant economic benefits for the Central Valley.
“United Airlines is looking forward to connecting more customers to California’s Central Valley,” said Grant Whitney, United’s vice president of Domestic Network Planning. “Our new service offers customers another convenient choice to get to Fresno and Yosemite National Park from the Midwest.”
United Airlines will operate the Chicago route using the Embraer E175 jet with a schedule ideal to accommodate a one-day business trip or a multiple day stay. The outbound flight departs FAT at 11:01 pm, arrives ORD at 5:12 am, coinciding with morning departures to the East Coast and Midwest. The inbound flight departs ORD at 7:35 pm, arrives FAT at 10:16 pm.
United Airlines’ presence at Fresno Yosemite International Airport continues to grow. In addition to the June 2018 launch of Chicago service, the airline currently provides daily non-stop flights between Fresno and Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. In August, the airline introduced a 737 aircraft to operate its early morning departure to San Francisco and continues to transition to larger two class series aircraft such as the E175.
Summary of new service between FAT and ORD:
| City Pair | Departs | Arrives | Frequency | Aircraft |
| Fresno – Chicago O’Hare | 11:01 p.m. | 5:12 a.m. | Daily | E175 |
| Chicago O’Hare – Fresno | 7:35 p.m. | 10:16 p.m. | Daily | E175 |
Flight times are based on local times.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport currently offers Valley passengers daily non-stop flights to Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Guadalajara, Mexico on domestic and international carriers. Fresno Yosemite is a municipally owned entity operating as a self-supporting enterprise. No City of Fresno general funds are used to operate Fresno Yosemite International Airport or Fresno Chandler Executive Airport
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