American Eagle Airlines will begin regional jet service between Tri-Cities Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport with two flights a day, starting on July 2.

American Eagle will operate the service with 44-seat Embraer ERJ-140 jets.

Flights will depart Tri-Cities Airport at 6:10 a.m. and 4:05 p.m. and arrive in Chicago at 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Flights will depart Chicago at 12:50 p.m. and 8:25 p.m. and arrive in Tri-Cities at 3:40 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.

Chicago O'Hare (ORD) is one of American Airlines's premier international gateways and provides convenient connections to American's extensive domestic network.

"This announcement is the culmination of several years of work to bring American Airlines to the Tri-Cities market," said Patrick Wilson, TCRA executive director.

"It is through the partnership of the Airport rental car companies, Tailwinds Restaurant, Tri-Cities Aviation, the Regional Alliance for Economic Development and the business community as a whole that this service is possible," Wilson said.

Newt Raff, chairman of the Regional Alliance for Economic Development, said, "The Regional Alliance for Economic Development and our membership are pleased to be involved in the efforts to bring American Airlines service to our region.

"Air service is vital to allow our region to compete in the global marketplace. We are excited about American's new Chicago service and how it will benefit business passengers traveling in and out of our area," Raff said.