British Airways on Tuesday announced to resume its flight operation between London and Islamabad from June 2, 2019, after almost a decade when it suspended it operation in September 2008. The announcement was made during a press conference here by Robert Williams, the Airlines' Head of Sales for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, along with Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Textile, and Industries, Abdul Razak Dawood, Special Assistant on Overseas Pakistanis Zulfi Bohkari and acting British High Commissioner Richard Crowder.
"This would be the biggest surprise today that I'm here to announce that after almost 10 years, British Airways will return to Pakistan and will be operating between Islamabad and Heathrow Airport, London, from June 2, next year," said Robert Williams.
He stated: "It's exciting to be flying between Islamabad and Heathrow from next year, which we believe will be particularly popular with the British Pakistani community who want to visit, or be visited by, their relatives."
Soon after the announcement, Foreign Minster Shah Mehmood Qureshi took to the Twitter and welcomed the decision, saying that it is an acknowledgement of Pakistan's continued efforts for peace and elimination of terrorism. "Delighted to learn British Airways will be resuming flights to Pakistan," Qureshi tweeted and also appreciated the efforts of Zulfi Bokhari and the British High Commissioner.
Director General ISPR, Gen Asif Ghafoor also took to the Twitter to give the credit to the improved security situation, saying, "The dividends of decades long struggle of Pakistani nation and its security forces for restoration of peace and stability in the country are on the way. Thanks to @British_Airways for reviving its flight operations in Pakistan."
Robert Williams further continued that customers will enjoy the best facilities in flying, adding, "Not only it is being operated on our newest long-haul aircraft, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, but it will also be landing into the new airport in Islamabad, which opened earlier this year."
He further said that the route will launch as a three-per-week service, operated on a three-class Boeing 787 Dreamliner - British Airways' newest long-haul fleet that is 20 percent more fuel efficient than other aircraft and features larger windows, mood lighting and the latest in-flight entertainment. Return fares start from £499 for World Traveller, £773 for World Traveller Plus and £1,799 for Club World, he added.
In his message on the resumption of the British Airlines flights, British High Commissioner to Pakistan Thomas Drew said that he is delighted to be welcoming British Airways back to Pakistan.
"The launch of direct flights by British Airways between London Heathrow and Islamabad's new International Airport is excellent news for both countries. The links between Britain and Pakistan are already extraordinary - from culture and cricket, to people, politics and education," he said.
He said that the launch was a vote of confidence in the future links between the two countries. "It's off course a reflection of the great improvements in the security situation in Pakistan in recent years. The return of British Airways will give a particular boost to our growing trade and investment links," he said.
He said that British Airways itself joins an increasing number of British companies doing business in Pakistan and hoped that it will allow more people from the UK to discover the beautiful country, Pakistan. "I look forward to using the service myself when flight start in June," he added.
Acting High Commissioner Richard Crowder said that UK is the second largest market for Pakistan and third leading investor in the country, adding that the decision by the airlines will facilitate British investors and the Pakistanis traveling to the UK.
"Islamabad is a quiet and tranquil city with plenty of green spaces, gardens and parks. It is a hub for culture with a rich heritage and has an impressive collection of museums, markets, mosques and hiking trails, as well as restaurants which serve a variety of cuisines from local Pakistani dishes to food from around the world," he said.
He said that the airline has a long history of flying to the city and offered its first scheduled flights between London and the Pakistani capital in 1976.
Speaking on the occasion, Razak Dawood welcomed the British Airlines' decision to resume its operation, saying that it is not only reflection of the long-lasting relations between the two countries, but also shows confidence of the British authorities on the security situation.
To a question about the lack of cheap passenger service between the new Islamabad airport and the city, he said that they would bring the issue in the notice of the Prime Minister, adding that there was need for launching cheap passenger service from the airport to the city.
Speaking on the occasion, Zulfiqar Bokhari described it as 'groundbreaking' announcement that British Airways is coming back after a decade. He said that this is also a huge step and will help the government in attracting more investors in the country due to the improved security situation.
He termed the 'connectivity' as the second major factor, saying that Pakistan is becoming less isolated and becoming more connected to the world. "We want to see a Pakistan that is heavily connected with the rest of the world," he said, adding that after the British Airlines' announcement, more British companies would also be encouraged to come and invest in the country.
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