American Airlines improving service between Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport and O'Hare

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - American Airlines is improving service between Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield and Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

The improvements come in the form of new flight schedules and a new, larger plane.

Starting Oct. 7, American Airlines will reinstate the early morning departure from SPI. The updated schedule is now available in the reservation system and open for booking.

It includes departing SPI at 6 a.m. and arriving at ORD at 7:16 a.m., leaving SPI at 2:12 p.m. and arriving to ORD at 3:28 p.m., leaving ORD at 12:39 p.m. and arriving at SPI at 1:35 p.m., and departing ORD at 10:12 p.m. and arriving at SPI at 11:18 p.m.

In November, the afternoon flight from SPI will depart slightly later to accommodate additional connections from the west coast.

American Airlines has also upgraded its aircraft for this route. The carrier will now use a 65-seat Embraer E-170 jet, an increase of about 30% in capacity over the previous 50-seat plane.

Chair of the Springfield Airport Authority Board of Commissioners Frank J. Vala said, "We are thrilled that American Airllines has brought back the popular early morning departure! We appreciate American's continued commitment to provide air service to Illinois' Capital City."