Philippine Airlines plans big expansion

Philippine Airlines is adding more long-haul flying in 2026, led by an increase on its Manila-Los Angeles route from 14 to 18 flights a week starting June 1, 2026. (philippineairlines.com) The airline said the extra Los Angeles service will run as a third daily flight on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Philippine Airlines currently flies the route twice a day using Boeing 777 aircraft. (philippineairlines.com) Philippine Airlines is also opening and restoring Pacific routes in early 2026. It launched twice-weekly Manila-Palau service on March 29, 2026, and resumed Manila-Saipan flights the same day after a long suspension. (philippineairlines.com 1) (philippineairlines.com 2) The expansion is tied to new aircraft arriving in the fleet. Philippine Airlines finalized an order for nine Airbus A350-1000 jets in June 2023, took delivery of its first one on December 22, 2025, and said the type is meant for nonstop North America flying. (philippineairlines.com) (airbus.com) (philippineairlines.com) Philippine Airlines has also said it expects to receive 13 new Airbus A321neo regional jets starting in 2026. Those narrower aircraft are used on shorter international and domestic routes, while the larger A350-1000 is aimed at longer nonstop sectors. (philippineairlines.com 1) (philippineairlines.com 2) North America is the clearest growth target. Philippine Airlines has filed to serve Chicago in 2026, and its own booking pages now show Manila-Chicago and Chicago-Manila itineraries for sale, indicating the carrier is preparing to add another United States gateway beyond Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Honolulu and Guam. (aviationa2z.com) (philippineairlines.com 1) (philippineairlines.com 2) The airline is making these moves after returning to sustained profitability. Philippine Airlines reported a 6.1 percent rise in profit to $160.4 million for 2025, with revenue of $3.22 billion, as passenger demand and cargo income increased. (tribune.net.ph) For travelers, the immediate change is simple: more seats on the busiest Manila-United States corridor at the start of the northern summer schedule. For Philippine Airlines, 2026 is shaping up as a year of added frequencies, new Pacific links and a wider North American map. (philippineairlines.com) (philippineairlines.com)