Philippine Airlines (PR), the flag carrier of Philippines, will expand its U.S. network with the launch of a new nonstop service between Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Manila and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago, beginning November 9, 2026.
The carrier confirmed the route as part of its broader transpacific expansion strategy, positioning Chicago as its eighth U.S. destination and strengthening connectivity between the Philippines and the American Midwest. The service will operate using the Airbus A350-900, enhancing long-haul capacity and network efficiency.
.png){kind=link}
Philippine Airlines Expands US Network with Chicago
Philippine Airlines will operate the Manila–Chicago route three times weekly, with departures scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The service will link Manila directly with one of the largest aviation hubs in the United States, bypassing traditional one-stop connections via the West Coast or other Asian hubs.
In its announcement, PAL President Richard Nuttall emphasized Chicago’s strategic importance, noting that the route will deepen access to the U.S. Midwest while improving connectivity to domestic Philippine destinations through the Manila hub. He stated that the city’s status as a major economic and aviation centre makes it a natural addition to the airline’s long-haul network.
Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Michael McMurray also welcomed the launch, highlighting O’Hare International Airport’s role in global connectivity:
On behalf of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the people of Chicago, we are proud to welcome Philippine Airlines’ new nonstop service between Chicago and Manila…….As the busiest airfield in the world and the best-connected airport in the United States, O’Hare International Airport continues to connect Chicago to key international markets, supporting economic growth, tourism, and cultural ties between our regions.
.jpg){kind=link}
Manila–Chicago Route Schedule and Operations
The outbound service from Manila (MNL) will depart in the afternoon and arrive at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in the same local afternoon, reflecting the time zone transition across the Pacific. The return flight will operate on the same days, departing Chicago in the evening and arriving in Manila the following morning.
PAL has structured the schedule to optimise aircraft utilisation while offering convenient onward connections through its Manila hub. The timing also enables cargo coordination with both passenger and freight flows, particularly for high-value and time-sensitive shipments between Southeast Asia and the U.S. Midwest.
.jpg){kind=link}
Airbus A350-900 Deployment and Product Positioning
Philippine Airlines will deploy the Airbus A350-900 on the Chicago route, aligning with its strategy to use long-range widebody aircraft on high-density transpacific sectors. The aircraft will feature a full-service configuration, including onboard dining, enhanced cabin comfort, and multi-class seating arrangements.
The A350-900’s range capability allows PAL to operate the Manila–Chicago sector non-stop without payload restrictions that typically affect ultra-long-haul operations. Asian carriers such as Singapore Airlines and Air India already deploy the Airbus A350-900 to operate the longest A350 routes in the world.
According to data from planespotters.net, teh carrier has two aircraft of this type in its fleet and these average 7.4 years:
| Reg | Aircraft Type | Delivered | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| RP-C3501 | Airbus A350-900 | Jun 2018 | 7.9 years |
| RP-C3508 | Airbus A350-900 | May 2019 | 7 years |
The carrier has configured its A350-900 in the following way:
- Business Class (30 seats): Pitch 78”, width 21”, full 180° lie-flat recline; premium service with gourmet dining, extensive personal space, and high-end in-flight entertainment on the Airbus A350-900.
- Premium Economy (24 seats): Pitch 38”, width 20”, recline 129°; enhanced comfort over economy with additional legroom, upgraded meal options, and improved entertainment system.
- Economy Class (241 seats): Pitch 32”, width 18”, recline 116°; efficient long-haul seating layout offering essential comfort, standard in-flight entertainment, and attentive cabin service
The airline also highlighted cargo capacity as a key benefit, enabling stronger integration with its expanding logistics network across North America.
_landing_at_Davao_International_Airport.jpg){kind=link}
Philippine Airlines US Expansion Strategy and Market Footprint
With the addition of Chicago, Philippine Airlines will serve eight destinations across the United States and its territories, including:
- Honolulu
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- New York
- Guam
- Saipan.
The expansion reinforces PAL’s position as the Southeast Asian carrier with the most extensive U.S. network footprint.
The airline continues to leverage its Manila hub as a central transpacific gateway, enabling connections between North America and secondary markets across the Philippines. This structure supports both diaspora traffic and increasing demand for premium long-haul leisure and business travel.
All in All
To support the route launch, PAL will offer promotional roundtrip Economy fares starting at USD 667 for bookings made between April 16 and May 31, 2026. The pricing strategy is designed to stimulate early demand and build load factors ahead of inaugural operations.
The airline expects strong uptake from both point-to-point travellers and connecting passengers travelling beyond Manila to domestic and regional destinations. Industry observers view the launch as part of a broader trend of reinstating and expanding long-haul Asia–U.S. city pairs following pandemic-era network rationalisation.
philippine airlines profile and long-haul operations
Philippine Airlines, founded in 1941, operates as the flag carrier of the Philippines and remains Asia’s first commercial airline. The carrier maintains hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao, serving destinations across Asia, North America, the Middle East, and Oceania.
The airline operates a mixed fleet of Airbus, Boeing, and De Havilland aircraft, supporting both short-haul regional services and long-haul intercontinental operations. It continues to emphasise full-service product offerings, including premium cabin services and integrated cargo capabilities.