Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is pushing for the immediate approval of its planned nonstop service to Chicago, arguing that the recent commitment from Manila regulators should resolve objections raised by the United States (US) rival Delta Air Lines.

PAL urged the US Department of Transportation to grant its application on an expedited basis following a formal pledge from the Philippines’ Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to support Delta’s future operations at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

In a letter addressed to US DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla clarified that there is no pending application from Delta for any flight schedule or slot allocation at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Should Delta submit its application, Arcilla said the CAB is ready to “give due course to and to act favorably on such requests, consistent with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.”

“Please accept the assurances of our highest consideration”, he said.

Delta, one of the largest carriers based in the US, asked the US DOT to defer its decision on PAL’s appeal to start flying to Chicago without first receiving written assurances from the Philippine government.

Delta is asking for assurance that its plan to operate flights between Manila and Los Angeles as early as the summer season of 2027 would be commercially viable.

At present, the airline said there is an “uneven competitive landscape” in Manila due to barriers to securing the necessary slots and access to infrastructure at NAIA.

It noted that such barriers undermine the Air Service Agreement between the Philippines and the US, which seeks to ensure fair and equal opportunity for carriers of both countries.

With the assurance from the CAB, PAL said Delta’s request to defer action on its application is “completely unnecessary,” while saying that it welcomes the US carrier’s future entry into Manila.

The airline said this should encourage the US DOT to “promptly approve” its application for the service on an “expedited basis.”

“PAL is prepared to launch its first-ever service to Chicago as soon as authorized by the department to do so,” it said.

PAL earlier said that it plans to launch direct flights to Chicago during the summer season, which starts at the end of this month.

Once operational, the service is expected to provide a new travel option between the Philippines and the US, particularly in the Midwest, which is home to a large Filipino diaspora.