PIA exporters will use a single air waybill to access Air France-KLM’s international freight network
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has entered into a strategic cargo partnership with Air France-KLM, strengthening its global cargo connectivity at a time when the national carrier is also undergoing major institutional changes.
The cargo agreement, which entered into force on January 15, grants PIA Cargo access to the Air France-KLM global network. Under the agreement, exporters will be able to ship their shipments across Europe and the United States using a single air waybill covering both PIA and the Air France-KLM system.
PIA Cargo will connect to the wider network via regional hubs including Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam, with key destinations including Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Dusseldorf, as well as New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles now accessible via the combined network.
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The partnership builds on PIA’s broader initiatives to restore and grow international operations. French Ambassador Nicolas Galey said the recent resumption of direct flights between Islamabad and Paris, operating twice a week from January 10, reflects strengthening bilateral ties and improved connectivity between Pakistan and Europe.
The ambassador observed that this route and the Air France-KLM partnership provide streamlined connections to some 21 European destinations, with associated benefits in terms of economic and cultural exchange.
The cargo agreement and expansion of passenger routes coincides with the conclusion of the PIA privatization process. In late January, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a ceremony in Islamabad marking the signing of transaction documents between the government and the Arif Habib consortium, which acquired a 75 percent stake in PIA through a competitive bidding process.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz described the transparent process as an important milestone in Pakistan’s privatization program and expressed confidence that the new owner would invest in quality of service and reconnect the airline to its historical importance.
The expanded cargo network, resumption of direct European flights and shift to private sector management demonstrate a renewed focus on strengthening PIA’s role in supporting trade and travel between Pakistan and key global markets.
