American Airlines strikes at United hub with new Chicago routes

American Airlines is adding new flight destinations from its Chicago hub less than 2 weeks after United Continental announced a similar expansion. O’Hare International will get 7 new routes to mid-sized US cities starting July 5 at American, according to a letter Thursday from the airline’s president, Robert Isom. The Chicago airport also got the bulk of 47 new round trips announced by United Feb 27. The new service sharpens a clash between the two airlines since Scott Kirby became president of United 6 months ago after leaving the same post at American. Both airlines, which have major operations in Chicago, are adding flights to secondary destinations where there’s less competition and more ability to control prices. In announcing United’s new routes last month, Kirby vowed to regain ground lost to rivals. <br/>