Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Breaks 4-Year Hiatus with Direct Flights to Paris
After a lengthy four-and-a-half-year pause, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has officially resumed its European operations with a direct flight to Paris. The inaugural flight, PK-749, departed from Islamabad International Airport (IIAP) on Friday at 12:10 pm, utilizing a Boeing 777 (AP-BGK) aircraft to transport 330 passengers and 14 crew members.
Ministerial Support and Celebrations
Several high-ranking officials, such as Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, PIA CEO Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat, and directors general of the Civil Aviation Authority and Pakistan Airport Authority, graced the inaugural flight ceremony with their presence. Minister Asif commended the collaborative efforts of PIA and Civil Aviation in restoring European flights. He also expressed gratitude to European Union aviation officials for recognizing Pakistan’s aviation standards. Financial Challenges and Future Plans
Minister Asif highlighted the significant losses suffered by PIA over the past four and a half years, amounting to hundreds of billions in debt. Despite these challenges, he announced plans to expand flight operations to the United Kingdom, showcasing Pakistan’s commitment to meeting international aviation standards. PIA’s new route boasts a special livery, featuring the iconic Eiffel Tower model on the tail and the slogan “I Love Paris” on the nose, symbolizing the airline’s renewed focus on European travel. Passenger Experience and Route Details
To enhance the passenger experience, PIA has introduced a wireless entertainment system, allowing travelers to access media using their personal devices during the flight. The airline plans to operate direct flights between Islamabad and Paris twice a week, catering to the high demand from the Pakistani community in France. With the first two flights already fully booked, PIA anticipates continued interest in the route, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with European travelers.
Minister Asif highlighted the significant losses suffered by PIA over the past four and a half years, amounting to hundreds of billions in debt. Despite these challenges, he announced plans to expand flight operations to the United Kingdom, showcasing Pakistan’s commitment to meeting international aviation standards. PIA’s new route boasts a special livery, featuring the iconic Eiffel Tower model on the tail and the slogan “I Love Paris” on the nose, symbolizing the airline’s renewed focus on European travel.
Passenger Experience and Route Details
To enhance the passenger experience, PIA has introduced a wireless entertainment system, allowing travelers to access media using their personal devices during the flight. The airline plans to operate direct flights between Islamabad and Paris twice a week, catering to the high demand from the Pakistani community in France. With the first two flights already fully booked, PIA anticipates continued interest in the route, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with European travelers.
Following the recent decision by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to lift the ban on Pakistani airlines flying to EU countries, PIA has seized the opportunity to relaunch services to Europe and the UK, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s journey towards recovery and expansion.
