Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to significantly enhance its trans-Pacific operations with a major expansion of its Manila–Seattle route. Beginning November 25, 2025, the flag carrier of the Philippines will increase service from three to five nonstop flights weekly, responding to growing travel and trade demand between Southeast Asia and the US Pacific Northwest.
This move reflects PAL’s strategic commitment to strengthen its US West Coast network, positioning Seattle as a key gateway to Washington, Oregon, and beyond. The increased service also supports the Philippine Department of Tourism’s goals to facilitate seamless global connectivity and boost bilateral trade and tourism.
Strengthening PAL’s US Presence
The expansion aligns with PAL’s long-term goal of consolidating its market share in the high-demand US–Philippines corridor, already served by routes to New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, and Guam. According to the US Department of Commerce, Filipino Americans represent one of the largest Asian-American communities in the US, with a significant presence in the Seattle-Tacoma area. This demographic connection underpins the strong demand for direct flights.
Seattle’s position as a tech, trade, and cultural hub makes it a critical node for PAL. Moreover, the airline’s codeshare agreement with Alaska Airlines enables smooth onward travel to over 100 domestic US destinations, including Portland, Denver, and Chicago.
Enhanced Passenger Experience and Aircraft Fleet
To accommodate rising demand, Philippine Airlines will deploy its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on the route. This wide-body jet offers seating for up to 370 passengers across Business and Economy classes and includes modern inflight entertainment, spacious seating, and enhanced meal services.
Passengers flying from Manila to Seattle can expect a premium onboard experience, with PAL’s award-winning service now rivaling global carriers. The increase in frequency also offers greater flexibility for leisure travelers, business executives, and diaspora communities who depend on reliable trans-Pacific connections.
Cargo Capacity Boost and Trade Synergies
Beyond passengers, PAL’s expanded schedule significantly benefits air freight operations. The additional two flights per week will contribute an estimated 40 tons of added cargo capacity, supporting industries vital to both economies.
Key Philippine exports such as electronics, apparel, fresh produce, and seafood are expected to benefit from the additional cargo hold availability. According to Philippine Statistics Authority data, the US remains the country’s largest trading partner, with over USD 22 billion in two-way trade recorded in 2024 alone.
Meanwhile, Washington state exports—including aerospace parts, apples, and IT equipment—are expected to flow more smoothly into the ASEAN region. PAL’s seamless integration of cargo logistics underscores its growing role as a trans-Pacific freight carrier.
Boosting Philippine Tourism and Diaspora Engagement
The increased connectivity is also expected to bolster inbound tourism to the Philippines, particularly from Filipino-Americans and second-generation travelers exploring their heritage. According to the Philippine Department of Tourism, the US remains the second-largest source of inbound arrivals, contributing over 1 million visitors annually pre-pandemic—a figure that is steadily recovering.
“Seattle’s expansion reflects the high demand for both leisure and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) travel between the Pacific Northwest and the Philippines,” said a PAL spokesperson. “We are committed to supporting tourism recovery and deepening people-to-people ties.”
Seamless Transit for Business and Leisure
Seattle’s growing influence as a global tech and startup hub, combined with Manila’s status as a financial and outsourcing capital in Asia, makes this route strategically critical for business travelers. Both cities are members of Sister Cities International, emphasizing the cultural and economic exchanges that this expanded route supports.
Travelers from Seattle can now access world-class destinations in the Philippines such as Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, and Davao via PAL’s domestic network, with smooth transit through Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s Terminal 1.
Long-Term Strategic Growth
The Manila–Seattle route expansion is part of Philippine Airlines’ broader international recovery and growth strategy, focused on fleet modernization, network expansion, and service excellence post-pandemic. The airline is also exploring route openings to Chicago and Dallas as part of its US growth blueprint.
As PAL continues to diversify its trans-Pacific offerings, industry experts view its Seattle investment as a long-term play in both tourism and trade. With air travel demand surging and cargo logistics reshaping global supply chains, PAL’s strengthened presence on the US West Coast is timely and ambitious.
Conclusion
Philippine Airlines’ decision to increase direct flights between Manila and Seattle marks a significant milestone in the evolution of US–Philippines air connectivity. The enhanced frequency not only supports growing tourism, diaspora travel, and business exchanges, but also plays a key role in sustaining trade flows between the two nations.
With modern aircraft, strategic partnerships, and a renewed focus on premium service, PAL continues to reaffirm its position as a leading carrier in the Asia–US trans-Pacific corridor. As air travel demand climbs into 2026, this route expansion promises more choices, better access, and stronger ties across the Pacific Ocean.
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