Philippine Airlines A350-1000 |
MANILA — Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced earlier today that it will launch a nonstop Manila–Chicago service beginning November 9, marking the flag carrier’s first direct link to the U.S. Midwest in more than two decades. The route will operate three times weekly using the airline’s long‑range Airbus A350 fleet.
PAL President and COO Stanley Ng said the decision followed “months of route studies, aircraft performance simulations, and market analysis focused on the Filipino American community in the Midwest.” In a statement, Ng added, “Chicago has long been one of the largest unserved U.S. gateways for Filipinos. We are excited to restore this connection and offer a faster, more comfortable travel experience.”
A Strategic Move Driven by Market Demand
According to PAL, the new service is expected to cut travel time by at least four hours compared to one‑stop itineraries via the West Coast or Asia. The airline said it coordinated closely with the U.S. Department of Transportation and airport authorities at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to finalize slots and operational requirements.
PAL Holdings President Lucio Tan III said the route aligns with the company’s long‑term fleet and network strategy. “Our A350 aircraft give us the range and efficiency to serve Chicago nonstop. This is a route we have wanted to bring back for years, and the timing is finally right,” Tan said.
Has PAL Served Chicago Before?
PAL previously operated flights to Chicago in the 1990s, but these were not nonstop. The service was typically routed via Vancouver or San Francisco, reflecting the era’s aircraft limitations. The route was eventually discontinued around 1997–1998 as PAL entered a period of severe financial distress during the Asian financial crisis, which forced the airline to shrink its U.S. network and ground part of its long‑haul fleet.
Industry analysts note that PAL’s return to Chicago has been anticipated since the airline regained U.S. FAA Category 1 status in 2014, enabling expansion and new aircraft orders. The upcoming nonstop service marks the first time PAL will connect Manila and Chicago directly, without a technical or commercial stop.
A Boost for the Midwest Fil-Am Community
Chicago and the surrounding Midwest region are home to more than 150,000 Filipino Americans, according to U.S. Census data. Community groups have long advocated for a direct Manila link, citing family travel, balikbayan traffic, and business ties.
Tickets for the new service are expected to go on sale in the coming days.
