PAL Express (2P, Manila Ninoy Aquino International) has applied to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for a US Foreign Air Carrier's Permit (FACP) and route exemption ahead of its planned return to the international market later this year.

In its application for scheduled and charter, passenger and freight traffic rights, the Filipino airline said it wants to launch a 2x weekly Manila-Saipan, Mariana Islands return service later this year with additional plans to offer charter flights between the Philippines and the United States as and when opportunities arise. Operations would be on-board A320-200 aircraft, it said.

Should the request be granted, it would be PAL Express' first international service since the termination of its last foreign route - Manila Ninoy Aquino International-Dubai International - in March.