Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) received its first Boeing 777-200ER here on Friday, which is equipped with the most modern equipments, increased safety measures, economical in maintenance and fuel efficient with low operational cost to make it competitive with other airlines of the world.
The aircraft was handed over to PIA at a delivery ceremony held at Boeing Field in Seattle.
The delivery document was signed by the Chairman PIA, Ahmad Saeed on behalf of PIA and John Quinlivan, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing company.
Ahmad Saeed, who formally received the plane said, PIA has been turned around and its revenue has increased manifolds. It earned profit of Rs 3.5 billion in 2003, while he hoped it would increase to Rs 5 billion in 2005.
He said with the induction of this aircraft, PIA has entered into a new era of aviation history where it will take a jump-start to touch new horizons.
The induction of seven more aircraft it had bought from Boeing Company during the next four years will revolutionise the airlines.
With the induction of two more aircraft during the next two months, he said the western sectors would be strengthened. After the restoration of air links with India, Pakistan will get more openings on its eastern sides.
He said PIA appreciates its long-term partnership with Boeing Company. He said "PIA was given a task and we have done it."
John Quinlivan, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing said, his company would continue its long-term partnership and it would be further strengthened to the benefit of the both.
Later talking to newsman here, Chairman PIA Ahmad Saeed said a new era has begun and effective policies are being adopted which will make PIA competitive and comparable with other airlines. The long- standing co-operation with Boeing Company will benefit PIA in a big way.
The Chairman said that Pakistan needs more aircraft to face the emerging challenges. The change of colours of the planes and uniforms of its crew members will give a new look to the airlines.
The loan it has received from Exim Bank to purchase the aircraft will be paid back in twelve years. PIA has struck the best deal, he said.
The PIA Chairman said, Pakistan has signed component exchange programme with Air France and Boeing Company. Later, PIA will establish code sharing with Air France.
The Chief Executive Officer of Boeing, Alan Mulally said that Boeing Company has the honour to enter into long-standing partnership with PIA. It is ready to provide more aircraft to PIA.
He said that Boeing has produced the best planes equipped with the most modern technology. The Boeing 777 family is fuel-efficient and will meet all the requirements of P1A.
PIA will receive two more aircraft before the end of March this year while it will be handed over two 777-200LR in 2006. The last three 777-300ER will be delivered in 2008.
The aircraft 777-200ERs will seat 327 passengers in a two-class configuration. The 777 sets a new level of comfort and spaciousness for air travel because of its new Boeing Signature Interior.
The aircraft will be powered by GE90-94B and GE90-115b engines. General Electric Aircraft Engines is the sole producer of engines for the 777-200LR and 777-300ER airplanes.
The 777 family provides the flexibility with different capacities and range capabilities to meet all of PIA demands.
The historic occasion was attended by senior officials of PIA, headed by PIA Chairman Ahmad Saeed. The top management of Boeing Company was also present.
The PIA Acceptance Team, PIA Legal Counsel, PIA Technical Acceptance team and CAA Director General had already inspected the aircraft.
The PIA engineers, pilots and crew members had already acquired training to handle the aircraft.
The plane left Seattle on the same day for Pakistan enroute to London where it will pick up 200 passengers, making it a commercial flight. After picking up 200 passengers from London, the new aircraft will reach Islamabad at 6.20 am on Saturday (today).