Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Tuesday announced the launch of nonstop flights between Manila and Seattle in the United States starting October 2.

In a press conference, PAL president Stanley Ng said the airline chose to launch Seattle for the long-haul flight but is also eyeing to launch flights in Asian destinations.

The new route, Ng said, will give the Philippines the chance to promote its beautiful islands, both to leisure and business travelers.

“We’re also exploring some European countries. It’s not easy to launch a new destination without the support of the other side, as well as support from the government,” he added.

Seattle is PAL’s sixth US destination, along with Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Honolulu, and Guam.

PAL will utilize the Boeing 777-300ER for the Seattle flights.

The route will operate thrice weekly, every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, at 10:40 p.m. (PST) from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and 11:40 p.m. (Seattle local time) from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

The PAL chief also bared that the airline will revive its Cebu-Osaka and Manila-Sapporo routes this year.

Ng added that Manila will still be PAL’s hub, even when the airport in Bulacan opens. (PNA)