A few months ago, I teased if Philippine Airlines (PAL) will be flying to Seattle, Washington. Now. it is confirmed that PAL will launch of its non-stop flights between Manila and Seattle starting October 2. This new route marks a significant milestone as it establishes the first direct air link between the Philippines and the U.S. Pacific Northwest. With Seattle becoming the eighth North American destination in PAL’s network, the airline is set to cater to the growing demand for travel between these two vibrant regions.
PAL’s introduction of the Manila-Seattle-Manila route comes as great news to the Filipino-American community in Washington and Oregon. Home to over 240,000 Filipino Americans, these states will now enjoy a direct connection to the Philippines, making family visits and cultural exchanges more convenient than ever. The service, operating three times a week on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, aims to strengthen ties and facilitate more personal and business travel opportunities.
Flights will depart at 10:40 PM local time from Manila’s Terminal 1 and at 11:40 PM local time from Seattle Tacoma International Airport. To ensure a comfortable and reliable journey, PAL will deploy the Boeing 777-300ER, a testament to the airline’s commitment to offering a premium travel experience. This comes on the heels of PAL receiving a leased Boeing 777-300ER, as they eagerly await the delivery of their brand-new Airbus A350-1000.
PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Captain Stanley K. Ng expressed his enthusiasm for the new route, stating, “Philippine Airlines is happy to say, ‘Mabuhay, Seattle!’ We are proud to welcome Seattle to our growing U.S. route network.” The airline anticipates not only showcasing the Philippines as a tourist and business destination to American travelers but also serving the Filipino community longing for a taste of home or eager to explore the U.S. Pacific Northwest.
Flight number | Routing | Days of operation | Departure | Arrival | Aircraft |
PR 124 | Manila-Seattle | Wednesday, Friday, Sunday | 10:40 PM | 07:15 PM | Boeing 777 |
PR 125 | Seattle-Manila | Wednesday, Friday, Sunday | 11:40 PM | 04:45 AM +2 | Boeing 777 |
Enhancing the PAL Experience
In addition to launching the Seattle route, PAL has announced significant upgrades across its fleet. The airline plans to reconfigure 18 of its Airbus A321ceos with new seats equipped with in-flight entertainment systems (IFEs), aligning with the amenities already available on their A321neos. This move aims to provide a more consistent and enjoyable in-flight experience for passengers across PAL’s narrowbody fleet.
Moreover, PAL is considering exercising options for three more A350-1000s in response to the forecasted demand in air travel. This potential expansion would bring PAL’s A350-1000 fleet to twelve, further modernizing its operations with fuel-efficient and passenger-friendly aircraft. Decisions on these fleet enhancements and expansions are expected to be made within the year, as PAL continues to evaluate the evolving travel landscape.
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