It now seems that Etihad Airways has just recently launched a new service from its home base in Abu Dhabi to Chicago. Etihad Airways flight EY151 took off just yesterday and landed at Chicago O”hare International Airport about 14 hours later.

The launch of this brand new service by Etihad Airways represents the carrier’s third destination to North America. It also brings the carrier’s total number of international destinations served to 55. This is a great number for an airline that just appears to keep on growing in the number of routes offered.

For the inaugural flight to Chicago, Etihad Airways operated an Airbus A340-600. In traditional fashion, O’Hare International Airport brought out fire trucks and provided the carrier with a water arch to roll under just before it docked at terminal five.

The chief executive of Etihad Airways, James Hogan, said that he was delighted to start this new service to Chicago. He went on to say that Chicago is set to become a key part of their global flight program.

James Hogan also noted that the airline’s fleet of brand new, more fuel efficient aircrafts allows them to launch flights to ultra long haul destinations such as Chicago. However, they will still be able to offer customers, in all three cabins, a chance to experience the best in flight experience.

More and more flights are trying to offer new routes as they come up with new ways to battle the ongoing recession. Although it could be some time before airlines are able to fully beat the recession, these new routes could open many new doors for certain carriers like Etihad Airways.