McDonald's Corporation returns to Chicago after Munich trip following strong Q1 earnings

McDonald's Corporation flew from Munich to Chicago Midway on May 15, 2026, aboard its Gulfstream G600 (N1955M). The 8-hour, 49-minute flight brought the company's leadership back to headquarters a week after the fast-food giant reported first-quarter earnings that topped Wall Street expectations, per a CNBC report on May 7.

The same week the earnings call took place, McDonald's Corporation posted 3.9% U.S. same-store sales growth and global revenue of $6.52 billion, driven by value menus and the viral Big Arch burger launch. CEO Chris Kempczinski noted on the call that low-income consumers remain under pressure from elevated gas prices tied to the U.S. conflict with Iran, but that the company's value strategy is resonating.

The Munich stop follows a pattern of international travel for the company. Recent flights show the G600 departed Chicago on May 10 for Munich, after earlier trips to Minneapolis and within the Chicago area. The visit likely involved meetings with European franchisees or suppliers, as McDonald's international markets also posted solid comparable sales growth in Q1, according to Yahoo Finance coverage of the earnings release.