Philippine Airlines (PAL) is expanding its North American operations later this year, adding more nonstop flights to Canada and the United States as it bets on sustained travel demand in one of its largest international markets while strengthening its trans-Pacific network.

The flag carrier said Friday that starting in November and December, it will increase Manila-Vancouver services from seven to 10 weekly flights starting 17 November, Manila-Toronto flights from three to four weekly beginning 5 December, and Manila-New York (JFK) services from three to four weekly effective 2 December. 

A fifth weekly New York flight will be added during the peak December to January 2027 holiday season.

The expanded services also come ahead of PAL's planned launch of thrice-weekly Manila-Chicago flights on 9 November.

"North America continues to be one of Philippine Airlines' most important markets," PAL President Richard Nuttall said.

"As travel demand grows, these additional flights strengthen our position as the preferred nonstop carrier between the Philippines and North America, whilst providing our customers with greater choice, improved connectivity, and more opportunities to travel, do business, and reconnect with family and loved ones. As the Philippine flag carrier, we remain committed to supporting tourism, trade, and economic ties between the Philippines and our key North American markets," he added.

The airline said the expanded schedule will improve connections through Manila to key destinations across Southeast Asia, including Jakarta, Bali, Phnom Penh, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hanoi. 

Through partnerships with American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and WestJet, passengers will also have access to more onward destinations across the United States and Canada.

PAL said the additional flights will also increase cargo capacity to support growing trade, e-commerce, and high-value shipments between the Philippines and North America.

Additional Toronto and New York services will initially be operated by Airbus A350-900 aircraft before transitioning to the larger Airbus A350-1000 as more aircraft join the fleet. 

The A350-1000 will also begin serving San Francisco in August, offering more premium seats and strengthening PAL's competitiveness in the U.S. West Coast.