Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will add eight aircraft to its fleet next year, its CEO has told a National Assembly Committee.
The meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Aviation, led by MNA Nawab Zada Iftikhar Ahmed Khan Babar, was held on Monday at the Islamabad International Airport. In his briefing, PIA Chief Khurram Mushtaq said the new wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft would be used on lengthy routes.
Barrister Aqeel Malik asked if the national airline was purchasing new aircraft next month, will long-range aircraft also be purchased.
“How many employees of the national airline have fled abroad in the last three years and what steps have been taken to ensure that the airline employees do not seek refuge abroad?” he asked.
Responding, the airline CEO said eight new 777 aircraft would be added to the national airline’s fleet next year. He said the European Union ban had been lifted after four years.
“We have got Terminal 3 in Paris and if the national airline gets access to the Europe terminal, connecting flights will also be able to operate,” he told the committee.
He said the ban on PIA’s flights to Europe had been lifted following four years. The airline’s operation to the continent would continue with a flight to Paris on January 10. The national carrier would work two flights a week on this route.
The eight new aircraft, including Boeing 777s, will reinforce PIA’s capacity for long-haul operations. After a four-year suspension, PIA will continue its Europe tasks with a direct flight to Paris on January 10, 2025, working two times per week.
Read more: PIA offers 15% discount on flights to Canada until October 15
Another agreement with Air France will upgrade connectivity to other European destinations for PIA travelers. Everyday trips between Karachi and Sukkur will begin this Wednesday, catering to domestic travelers. In response to passenger feedback, huge enhancements have been made to in-flight meals.
The CEO also recognized a decrease in domestic air travel because of the extension of the motorway network, which has made road travel more accessible and practical. These advancements signal PIA’s focus on modernizing its fleet, upgrading traveler experience, and restoring its presence in international markets. The resumption of flights to Europe and partnerships with global airlines like Air France marks a significant stage in regaining client confidence and extending operational scope.