Philippine Airlines now latest Asian carrier to fly to New York

New York is one prominent city in the United States where nearly all long-haul international carriers are either serving or always wanted to serve. The city’s status as headquarters of the United Nations is only well known and has been home to people from diverse nationalities. Flying to New York might have other reasons too. It is the “greatest city in the world” and flying here is a matter of prestige.

The two major airports in New York – John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – have been handling flights from various destinations worldwide. Many South American carriers and all the Middle East carriers such as Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways have been serving New York.

Philippine Airlines is the latest Asian carrier which has started its flights services to the United States after an interval of 18 years. The airline began its flights operations out of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport starting from March 18, 2015. 
 
The airline first started its service from Newark Liberty International Airport in September 1997. Later, Philippines was placed under Category 2 nation by the FAA’s International Aviation Safety Assessment Program. This barred the airline from operating flights to/from the United States. Now that this regulation has been lifted by federal aviation authorities from Philippines, the airline has once again resumed its services from the U.S., but this time choosing JFK for flight operations.

Philippine Airlines has said that it will operate flights to Manila from New York JFK with the help of its Airbus 340-300 aircraft. The aircraft’s business class cabin (Mabuhay class) will be featuring older recliner-style seats in a 2-2-2 configuration with direct aisle access. The customers booking business class flights for traveling on New York JFK-Manila route will be offered a seatback screen for in-flight entertainment among various other amenities on board the flight.