PIA to increase connectivity between Pakistan, Maldives
Pakistan International
Airlines (PIA) is planning to launch direct flights to the Maldives once
additional aircraft are inducted into its fleet, the national carrier said on
Wednesday.
The proposed service would establish direct air connectivity
between Pakistan and the Maldives and is expected to facilitate tourism, trade
and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
PIA Chief Executive Officer Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Amir Hayat
said the airline would launch flights to the Maldives after receiving
additional aircraft.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting at PIA’s head office
with a Maldivian delegation led by National Assembly Speaker Abdul Raheem
Abdulla.
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Abdulla highlighted the potential benefits of direct air links,
saying they could help increase bilateral trade and tourism while strengthening
people-to-people contacts and relations between Pakistan and the Maldives.
The proposed route comes as PIA pursues plans to expand and
modernize its fleet. The airline is also exploring options to accelerate the
acquisition of new aircraft and address near-term capacity requirements.
Boeing is expected to submit a revised aircraft acquisition
proposal to PIA following recent discussions between Finance Minister Muhammad
Aurangzeb and Boeing Global President Dr Brendan Nelson.
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The discussions included options for securing earlier delivery
slots for new aircraft as well as interim leasing arrangements to support PIA’s
fleet requirements.
The Maldives route is therefore expected to remain linked to the
pace of PIA’s fleet expansion, with the airline yet to announce a specific
launch date for the proposed service.
Source:
Pro Pakistani