In what was dubbed a historic day for business and leisure travelers, Philippine Airlines’ first flight to New York City in 18 years landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport Monday, March 16. That evening, dignitaries, executives, travelers, media and more celebrated the new service, the airline’s fifth gateway in the United States, joining Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu and Guam.

A joint effort from Philippine Airlines and the Philippine Department of Tourism, the new route coincides with the airline’s 74^th founding anniversary. The four-times-a-week service travels New York–Vancouver–Manila from Terminal 1 of JFK International Airport. PAL’s longest route to date at around 9,000 miles, the flight departs New York at 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Arriving in Vancouver at 1:50 p.m., it departs for Manila again at 3:20 p.m., crossing the International Date Line and arriving at 8:35 p.m. the following day. Return service from Manila departs Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

The route will be serviced by Airbus A340-300 aircraft, offering PAL’s signature warmth, charm and Philippine hospitality. Onboard the flight, economy-class passengers now have the option to upgrade to Choice Seats, located in the exit and bulkhead rows or far forward. Baggage allowance is increased to two pieces per passenger. The business-class cabin features fully flat seats, an audio-visual on-demand system and meals crafted by a Chef’s Conclave of top international guest chefs. Premium passengers can enjoy Mabuhay lounge facilities in Manila. The flight also offers PAL iNAir downloadable WiFi.

Service was halted in 1997 when the Federal Aviation Administration downgraded Philippine aviation to a Category 2 due to safety concerns. PAL has worked tirelessly to restore their safety category, recently passing an International Civil Aviation Organization audit. The airline has improved on-time performance to 80 percent and all PAL aircraft have a fleet age of less than three years.

The Filipino-American communities along the U.S. East Coast have greatly anticipated the return of service to New York City. Approximately 500,000 Filipinos reside in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia metro area.

“This is exciting news for East Coast travelers who now have access to convenient flight options to Manila,” said Mitchelle Dy, director, Philippine Department of Tourism, New York. “Additionally, travelers can connect seamlessly to many of our tropical island paradises throughout the Central Philippines, such as the eco-pristine island of Palawan, ancient Cebu City capital or the world-renowned beach party island of Boracay.”

The launch coincides with Visit Philippines Year 2015. A year’s worth of events help bring home the message, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.” The international arrivals to the Philippines, one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, continues to increase, with the United States the second largest inbound market.

Highlights of a visit to the Philippines include nature, culture, beaches, MICE, cruising, education and diving. In an effort to enhance the visitor experience, the country is improving access in and around the islands. In addition to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the country boasts a variety of accommodations and activities.