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Philippine Airlines is planning to expand its US network with a new nonstop service between Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
The Philippine flag carrier has formally requested authorization from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to begin operating the route as soon as possible. The service could start during the upcoming summer season as early as April or May if approved.
Despite strong ties between the United States and the Philippines, nonstop flights between the two countries remain relatively limited. Currently, United Airlines operates a single daily nonstop flight between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). Philippine Airlines is the only other carrier offering nonstop service between the two nations. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) would become Philippine Airlines’ eighth destination in the United States and its territories. The airline already serves:
- Guam’s Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM)
- Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport (SPN)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
At approximately 8,520 miles, the Chicago route would rank as the airline’s second-longest flight after its nonstop service to New York. The planned expansion comes as Philippine Airlines takes delivery of nine Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. Industry observers expect the Chicago proposal to receive approval, supported by an existing bilateral agreement between the United States and the Philippines that permits the airline to add service to up to four additional US airports.
While the addition of another nonstop route would improve access to the Philippines, Philippine Airlines is not a member of any global airline alliance. As a result, travelers relying on frequent flyer miles or elite benefits from major US airlines may find earning and redeeming points or accessing reciprocal perks more limited compared to alliance-affiliated airlines.
Anthony’s Take: I was just in the Philippines in January and had a great time in Manila and Cebu. I like that Philippine Airlines continues to grow and any additions to my home airport at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) are welcome by me.
(Featured Image Credit: Philippine Airlines.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
