PIA to increase flights to UK to benefit overseas Pakistanis
The board of Pakistan
International Airlines (PIA) has approved plans to acquire five Boeing
aircraft through lease arrangements as the national carrier moves to strengthen
its operations to Europe and the United Kingdom.
The decision was taken during a meeting of PIA’s new owners at
the airline’s head office in Islamabad, where the board reviewed financial,
operational and other matters related to the carrier’s revival and expansion.
According to sources, the board approved the wet lease of two
Boeing 777 aircraft from European airline Norse
Atlantic for a period of six months. It also approved the acquisition of
three additional aircraft through dry-lease arrangements.
The leased aircraft are expected to be deployed on PIA’s
European and UK routes, helping the airline expand its international operating
capacity.
The board also directed management to accelerate the procurement
of spare parts for the airline’s existing fleet to support operational
reliability.
PIA
Expands London Operations
The aircraft leasing decision comes as PIA prepares to increase
its services to London.
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The national flag carrier recently announced plans to raise its
weekly London flights to seven from October 27. Under the revised schedule, PIA
will operate five weekly flights from Islamabad to London and two from Lahore.
PIA currently operates four weekly flights to the British
capital. The planned increase will provide daily connectivity between Pakistan
and London, giving passengers additional travel options.
According to the airline, the expansion reflects continued
demand for travel between Pakistan and the United Kingdom and is expected to
benefit overseas Pakistanis and other passengers travelling between the two countries.
Heathrow
Slots Support Expansion
The increase in London services follows the return of slots at
London Heathrow Airport that had previously been allocated to foreign airlines.
The recovery of these slots has allowed PIA to increase its
operating frequency on the Pakistan-London route and strengthen its presence in
one of its key international markets.
The planned aircraft additions and increased London frequency
form part of PIA’s broader efforts to expand its international network while
improving fleet availability and operational capacity.
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Further details regarding the deployment of the newly leased
aircraft and their specific routes are expected to emerge as the airline finalises
its operational plans.