PAL to increase North America flights
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is scaling up its North American operations starting in November, adding weekly flights to three key destinations to coincide with the launch of its newest United States route, Chicago.
Beginning on Nov. 17, the flag carrier will increase its Manila-Vancouver service to 10 weekly flights from the current seven.
On Dec. 5, it will raise Manila-Toronto flights to four per week from three.
In the United States, PAL will increase Manila-New York flights to four weekly from three beginning Dec. 2, with a fifth weekly service planned during the peak holiday travel season from December through January.
Coinciding with the expanded schedule is the launch of PAL’s Manila-Chicago route on Nov. 9. The new service will operate three times weekly via Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
PAL said on Friday the expansion further strengthens its presence in the North American market. It already operates the largest nonstop network among Southeast Asian carriers.
“As travel demand grows, these additional flights strengthen our position as the preferred nonstop carrier between the Philippines and North America whilst providing our customers with greater choice, improved connectivity, and more opportunities to travel, do business, and reconnect with family and loved ones,” PAL president Richard Nuttall said.
PAL’s expanded Toronto and New York services will initially be operated by the Airbus A350-900 before transitioning to the larger A350-1000 as more aircraft join the fleet.
The airline currently has two A350-1000s, with four more scheduled for delivery this year and the remaining three expected in 2027. PAL also holds options for three additional A350-1000 aircraft.
Furthermore, the carrier will begin deploying the A350-1000 on its San Francisco route starting in August.
These additional flights come as the United States has emerged as the Philippines’ largest source of foreign visitors, accounting for 531,859 arrivals from January to May.
