Philippine Airlines’ inaugural direct flight to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) took off on October 2, 2024.
Flight PR 124 departed Manila International Airport (MNL) at 22:40 local time, and landed in Seattle at 19:48 local time, 40 minutes behind schedule.
Seattle is Philippine Airlines’ sixth destination in the United States, and eighth in North America.
There are an estimated 240,000 Filipino-Americans residing in the Washington and Oregon state area, and Americans make up the second-largest number of tourists visiting the Philippines, with more than 900,000 visitors in 2023.
According to Port of Seattle Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa, Manila has long been one of the most requested routes in the city.
“Washington state is home to the country’s fourth-largest Filipino population. For over 100 years, Filipinos have contributed to the region’s arts, business, and political leadership,” Hasegawa said in a statement.
“Nonstop service to Manila has long been one of our most frequently requested routes, and we’re thrilled that this new flight will not only serve the Puget Sound’s Filipino community but anyone who is interested in exploring the rich history, beauty, and hospitality of the Philippines,” Hasegawa added.