Photo Release

CHICAGO, 10 November 2026 – Philippine Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano welcomed Sky Bird Owner Akshay Shah and Director of Sales - Asia Accounts Joanna De Los Reyes during a courtesy call at the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago.

Consul General Diano was joined by Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) New York Director Ma. Corazon Jorda-Apo and Consul Ella Karina Mitra-Yeager.

The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange ideas on how to strengthen the Philippines' appeal as a travel destination for the American market, particularly by leveraging improved air connectivity and closer engagement with the U.S. travel industry.

The discussions were particularly timely, coming on the heels of the inauguration of Philippine Airlines' (PAL) nonstop service between Chicago and Manila on 09 November 2026. The new route enhances connectivity between the Philippines and the U.S. Midwest and presents opportunities to introduce the Philippines to a broader segment of American travelers.

Mr. Shah and Ms. De Los Reyes shared insights and ideas on how Sky Bird's network of travel agencies and industry partners could help increase awareness of the Philippines as a travel destination, including through the promotion of PAL's new nonstop Chicago-Manila service.

Meanwhile, Mr. Shah and DOT Director Jorda-Apo also discussed possible collaborative projects and promotional initiatives in the Midwest and East Coast, particularly those aimed at strengthening engagement with travel agencies, tour operators, and other tourism industry stakeholders.

Founded in 1976, Sky Bird is a U.S.-based airline consolidator serving travel professionals across North America, with an extensive network of airline partnerships and travel industry connections. END