Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is seeking approval from the United States (US) government to extend its flight operations between Manila and Seattle, as Asia’s oldest airline moves to strengthen its presence in the North American market.

In its application letter before the US Department of Transportation (DOT) dated April 11, a copy of which was seen by Manila Bulletin, Lucio Tan-led Philippine Airlines Inc. is requesting an exemption authority renewal to continue operating its Seattle route for another year.

The airline’s current exemption authority was granted on June 24, 2024, which paved the way for its inaugural direct flight to Seattle in October of the same year.

Currently, it operates a thrice-weekly flight to Seattle, which adds up to 60 tons of cargo capacity every week, according to PAL’s annual report.

The present authority is set to expire on June 24 this year.

Based on the DOT’s aviation rules, foreign carriers typically apply for this regulatory permission while awaiting the approval of a longer-term permit.

“PAL’s Manila-Seattle exemption authority enables it to provide attractive and enhanced service options for travelers seeking convenient air transportation between the capital of the Philippines and Seattle, Washington,” PAL said in the letter submitted by its counsel Cozen O’Connor.

As indicated in the application, PAL seeks an exemption to authorize its “scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property, and mail” between the two cities.

The carrier noted that this would help facilitate greater trade and tourism between the Philippines and the US.

As the DOT previously determined in granting the exemption authority in 2024, PAL said its renewal appeal is fully consistent with the present transport agreements between the two countries.

PAL requests the DOT to grant the “timely” renewal of the exemption authority and “grant such other and further relief as the Department deems to be in the public interest.”

The airline’s Seattle route marked its eighth destination in North America.

It currently operates 46 weekly flights to the continent, spanning San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver, New York, Toronto, Honolulu, and Guam.

Aside from increasing its passenger volume, PAL is intent on amplifying its mail transportation through US-based all-cargo carrier Amerijet International Inc.

In a joint renewal application dated March 18, a copy of which was also seen by Manila Bulletin, Amerijet asked the DOT to extend its exemption authority allowing the display of its M6* designator code on flights operated by PAL for two more years, as its expiry looms on May 26.

This agreement shall cover the carriage of mail in foreign air transportation from the Philippines, via intermediate points to Guam, Honolulu, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and five points in the US to be selected by PAL.

Essentially, keeping its designator code on PAL flights allows Amerijet to continue transporting US mail to the Philippines.

PAL currently operates a global network of nonstop flights out of hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to 37 international destinations spanning Asia, North America, Australia, and the Middle East.