A Philippine Airlines Airbus A340-313X at Vancouver International Airport | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
MANILA — Philippine Airlines (PAL) is celebrating its 85th anniversary this month with a slate of promotional fares and renewed expansion plans, including a proposed nonstop route between Chicago and Manila now under review by U.S. regulators. The flag carrier launched its “85th Anniversary Seat Sale” on March 2, offering domestic fares as low as ₱85 and international fares starting at $85, underscoring its push to strengthen its global footprint.
The anniversary comes as PAL continues to modernize its fleet and rebuild long‑haul capacity following the pandemic. The airline has taken delivery of new Airbus A350‑1000 aircraft, which it plans to deploy on U.S. routes as demand for trans‑Pacific travel rebounds.
PAL President and COO Stanley Ng said the milestone reflects “the resilience and loyalty of generations of Filipino travelers,” adding that the carrier remains committed to expanding connectivity for Filipinos worldwide.
Chicago–Manila Route Under Review
A key highlight of PAL’s expansion strategy is its proposed nonstop service between Chicago (ORD) and Manila (MNL), which the airline formally requested from the U.S. Department of Transportation earlier this year. According to aviation industry reports, PAL hopes to begin the route as early as April or May 2026, pending regulatory approval.
If approved, Chicago would become PAL’s eighth U.S. gateway, joining Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Honolulu, Guam, Saipan, and Seattle. The 8,520‑mile route would be PAL’s second‑longest after New York, and would likely be operated using its new A350‑1000 fleet.
Aviation analysts note that Chicago’s large Filipino population and strong Midwest–Asia demand make the route strategically attractive. The service would also give PAL a stronger competitive position against U.S. carriers that currently dominate Midwest–Asia traffic flows.
Fleet Modernization and Service Enhancements
PAL’s anniversary coincides with ongoing upgrades to its long‑haul fleet. The airline’s new A350‑1000s feature expanded cabin capacity, improved fuel efficiency, and upgraded passenger amenities designed to support ultra‑long‑haul missions such as Chicago and New York.
The carrier is also enhancing digital services, expanding its Mabuhay Miles partnerships, and improving customer support channels as part of its post‑pandemic transformation program.
Ng emphasized that PAL’s modernization efforts are aimed at “delivering a world‑class travel experience worthy of the flag we carry,” noting that the airline’s U.S. routes remain among its strongest revenue drivers.
Fil‑Am Community Welcomes Expansion
The anniversary and potential Chicago route have drawn strong interest from the Filipino American community, particularly in the Midwest, where Chicago and its surrounding suburbs host one of the largest and fastest‑growing Filipino populations in the United States.
For many Fil‑Am families, a direct Chicago–Manila flight would significantly reduce travel time and eliminate the need for connections through the West Coast or East Asia. Community organizations have long advocated for expanded nonstop service to the Philippines, citing both cultural and economic ties.
Fil‑Am civic leaders also note that PAL’s continued U.S. expansion strengthens diaspora connectivity at a time when trans‑Pacific travel demand is rising. The Chicago route, they say, would be a “long‑awaited bridge” between the Midwest and the homeland.
Looking Ahead
As PAL marks its 85th year, the airline is positioning itself for renewed global growth. With new aircraft, expanded U.S. ambitions, and strong diaspora demand, the flag carrier aims to reinforce its role as the primary link between the Philippines and millions of Filipinos abroad.
Regulatory approval for the Chicago route is expected later this year, potentially making it the next major milestone in PAL’s anniversary era.
