Philippine Airlines (PAL) has officially opened bookings for a major new expansion in its North American network: a nonstop service connecting Manila (MNL) to Chicago (ORD). Scheduled to begin in November 2026, this route marks a significant step in the airline’s post-pandemic recovery and strategic growth.
Route Details and Flight Schedule
The new service will operate three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Given the distance of 8,132 miles, these will be ultra-long-haul flights, likely ranking among the top 25 longest commercial flights globally.
The planned flight schedule is as follows:
* Manila to Chicago (PR132): Departs 4:40 PM; arrives 4:45 PM.
* Chicago to Manila (PR133): Departs 10:45 PM; arrives 5:25 AM (+2 days).
The flight durations are estimated at 14 hours and 15 minutes heading to the United States, and a substantial 16 hours and 40 minutes returning to the Philippines.
Aircraft and Cabin Configuration
To manage these grueling long-haul sectors, PAL will deploy the Airbus A350-900. The aircraft will feature a 295-seat configuration designed to cater to both premium travelers and leisure passengers:
* 30 Business Class seats
* 24 Premium Economy seats
* 241 Economy seats
Strategic Importance: Connecting the Midwest
The decision to target Chicago is a calculated move to tap into one of the largest Filipino diaspora communities in the United States. Chicago currently ranks among the top US cities for its Filipino population, trailing only major hubs like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York—all of which are already served by PAL.
“Chicago is considered one of the premier hubs in the United States, and our entry into this vibrant city will provide direct connectivity to the Midwest,” stated Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall.
Beyond serving the diaspora, the route acts as a bridge for travelers from the American Midwest to access the Philippines’ domestic market and wider Southeast Asian region via the Manila hub.
A Story of Recovery and Expansion
This announcement signals a turning point for Philippine Airlines. After filing for bankruptcy protection in 2021 amidst the global pandemic, the airline has undergone a significant restructuring.
The expansion into Chicago is supported by a renewed focus on fleet modernization. While the Chicago route will initially utilize the A350-900, PAL has recently placed orders for nine Airbus A350-1000s. This influx of new, high-capacity aircraft suggests that the airline is positioning itself for even further long-haul growth in the coming years.
Summary
By adding Chicago to its US portfolio—which already includes Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle—Philippine Airlines is strengthening its trans-Pacific footprint and directly addressing the demand of a major US demographic. ✈️
