The newly acquired second Boeing-777, by Pakistan International Airlines, the national flag carrier, landed here at the Quaid-e-Azam International airport in the wee hours of Sunday.
The plane, which took off from Seattle, USA, completed its maiden journey after non-stop flying for 14 and half hours before landing at Islamabad airport at 11.50 pm on Saturday. It flew from Islamabad to Karachi after a brief stopover at the capital.
On hand to welcome the crew and other members arrived on Boeing 777ER, the most technologically advanced airplane of the world, were higher officials of PIA.
The plane has seating capacity of 327 with accommodation of 33 passengers in first class.
PIA ordered eight Boeing 777s in 2002. The plane included three 777-200ER (extended range), two 777-200LR and three 777-300ER.
The third delivery is due next month and the deliveries will continue till March 2006 when PIA will receive the last machine.
The national airline is confident that 777 will play a crucial role to spur the economy of Pakistan.
The financing of $1.5 billion deal included 85 percent financing by the US-Exim Bank. It is the largest deal in the history of PIA.
The planes have been acquired on the basis of an elaborate marketing plan, said a PIA spokesman.
He said these aircraft would help point to point non-stop service for passengers. The aspect of future expansion of PIA network was also considered before acquiring these planes.
In the selection of these aircraft, various aspects were examined, including operational cost, fuel efficiency, passenger comfort and low maintenance cost.
More than 460 B777s are currently in service with 36 airlines around the world. So far more than 630 777s have been ordered.
The national flag carrier plans to use 777-200ER for the US destinations and could also be placed into operation for India.
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