Press Release

Photo 1: Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano joins Philippine Airlines executives, led by PAL Holdings

President and COO Lucio Tan III and Executive Vice President and COO Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez;

Executives from Boeing and GE Aerospace; Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Michael

McMurray, and local government officials, for the ceremonial toast during the PAL Anniversary Gala held

on 10 November 2026 at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago.

CHICAGO, 11 November 2026 — Philippine Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano joined aviation industry leaders, government officials, and members of the Filipino American community at Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) anniversary gala at the Palmer House Hilton on 10 November 2026, celebrating eight decades of connecting the Philippines and the United States and the inauguration of nonstop Manila-Chicago service.

In his remarks, PAL Holdings, Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer Lucio C. Tan III highlighted the milestones that gave special significance to the celebration: the 80th anniversary of PAL’s transpacific service to the United States, the launch of its nonstop Manila–Chicago flights, 80 years of Philippines-United States diplomatic relations, and PAL’s eight decades of partnership with Boeing.

Reflecting on the airline’s history, Mr. Tan underscored how PAL has brought the two countries closer through generations of travel, connecting families, facilitating commerce, and opening opportunities for exchanges between Filipinos and Americans.

Consul General Diano, in her remarks, congratulated PAL on its 80 years of transpacific service and paid tribute to its enduring place in the Filipino pursuit of the American Dream. She noted that, for generations, PAL has carried Filipinos across the Pacific to pursue education, advance their careers, and build better lives for themselves and their families. Throughout those journeys, the flag carrier has remained a familiar and reassuring connection to their homeland, bringing them home for reunions, celebrations, and important family milestones.

The Consul General also welcomed the new nonstop Chicago-Manila service as an important link between the Philippines and the American Midwest. Beyond its contribution to Philippine tourism, trade, and investment, she emphasized the route’s personal significance for the more than 450,000 Filipinos living across the Midwest, making journeys home more convenient and helping sustain family and community ties.

Philippine Department of Tourism-New York Tourism Director Ma. Corazon Jorda-Apo likewise highlighted PAL’s role in attracting American travelers to the Philippines. She underscored how the airline’s extensive U.S. network provides gateways for visitors to experience the country’s destinations, culture, and hospitality, and recognized PAL as a longstanding government partner in tourism promotion. With Chicago’s addition, PAL now serves eight destinations across the United States and its territories.

The gala also announced that PAL will purchase 20 aircraft from Boeing as part of its fleet modernization and expansion plans. The acquisition will enhance passenger comfort, improve operational efficiency, and support the airline’s continued growth, with GE Aerospace supplying the engines for the new aircraft. Adding a nostalgic musical highlight to the evening were performances by Filipino artists Jose Mari Chan and The Company, including a rendition of “Love at Thirty Thousand Feet,” one of PAL’s enduring and well-loved advertising jingles.

The celebration brought together executives from PAL, Boeing, and GE Aerospace; representatives of the Chicago Department of Aviation led by Commissioner Michael McMurray; local government officials; travel industry partners; and Filipino American community members from Chicago and beyond. Held a day after the inaugural nonstop Manila–Chicago flights, the gala celebrated PAL’s legacy of connecting people across the Pacific while looking ahead to new opportunities for tourism, business, and closer ties between the Philippines and the United States. END

Photo 2: PAL Holdings COO and President Lucio Tan III delivers his remarks, highlighting the milestones

that gave special significance to the celebration: the 80th anniversary of PAL’s transpacific service to the

United States, the launch of its nonstop Manila–Chicago flights, 80 years of Philippines-United States

diplomatic relations, and PAL’s eight decades of partnership with Boeing.

Photo 3: Consul General delivers her remarks, highlighting PAL’s enduring role in the Filipino pursuit of

the American Dream and its place as a cherished connection to the homeland. She also welcomed the

new nonstop Chicago–Manila service and congratulated PAL on 80 years of transpacific service to the United States.

Photo 4: Tourism Director Ma. Corazon Jorda-Apo of the Philippine Department of Tourism–New York,

highlighting PAL’s extensive U.S. network and its longstanding partnership with the Philippine

government in promoting tourism to the Philippines.

Photo 5: Jose Mari Chan and The Company perform “Love at Thirty Thousand Feet,” one of Philippine Airlines’ most beloved jingles.