Five new gates at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport will allow American Airlines to fly more passengers from the airport than it has in a decade.

Last month officials cut the ribbon on the $78-million expansion of Concourse L at O’Hare’s Terminal 3, American’s Chicago hub.

The new “L Stinger” gates, L20 through L24, are the first to be added at the airport in 25 years.

“The L-Stinger gates deliver immediate benefits for passengers flying through O’Hare with fewer delays, more space to relax, and expanded services,” said Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Ginger Evans.

“This project also sets the stage for even more improvements to come as we expand O’Hare’s terminal capacity in the coming years.”

The city of Chicago recently approved an $8.5-billion expansion and modernization project at O’Hare that will add more gates and terminals, doubling the overall size of the airport.

“With these new gates, we’re renewing our commitment to serving our customers in Chicago and growing our service at O’Hare,” said American Airlines CEO Doug Parker.

AA recently added a new Flagship Lounge at the terminal and renovated its O’Hare Admirals Club lounges, and will open a new hangar and ground equipment maintenance facility later this year.

aa.com