The airline’s first flight, PK-785, takes off from Islamabad to London with 325 passengers
The airline’s first flight, PK-785, took off from Islamabad to London with 325 passengers. PHOTO: Express
LAHORE:
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Sunday resumed flight operations to London after a six-year hiatus, reestablishing a long-standing route between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
The airline’s first flight, PK-785, took off from Islamabad to London, carrying 325 passengers. The flight was accompanied by Defense Secretary Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Muhammad Ali and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott.
A simple but dignified ceremony was held at the Islamabad airport before departure, in the presence of PIA consortium chairman Arif Habib and senior aviation officials.
Read: PIA resumes direct flights to London after six-year hiatus
A cake was cut to mark the occasion, while a raffle was held in which a 660cc car was awarded to a passenger. Other passengers also received gifts.
Addressing the ceremony, the Defense Secretary said the resumption of flights would further strengthen ties between the two countries and their people. The British High Commissioner congratulated PIA on resuming its operations in London.
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PIA said it aims to provide direct travel facilities to over 1.6 million Pakistanis residing in the United Kingdom. Commemorative shields were also presented to the distinguished guests by the CEO of the airline.
The airline will begin weekly flights from Lahore to London from March 30. Initially, PIA will operate four weekly flights between Pakistan and London, including three from Islamabad and one from Lahore.
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London was PIA’s first international destination and the airline has been associated with this route for 71 years.
