PIA is to provide daily link to over 100 international destinations from Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad under a joint venture commercial arrangement with Turkish Airlines, PIA Spokesman said here on Thursday.
The Pakistani passengers have been demanding that PIA should provide daily flights to all presently operated international destinations and also link other major cities of the world with Pakistan. This is not possible because of the limitations of fleet and insufficient traffic for operating daily flights.
PIA has therefore, in the interest of Pakistani passengers, evaluated the possibility of providing daily flights from Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad each to about 100 international destinations under a joint venture commercial arrangement with Turkish Airlines; which has a large fleet of 151 passenger aircraft and plans to increase its fleet up to 200 aircraft by the end of 2011. Turkish Airlines has five dedicated freighter planes and 6th plane is on order.
It has been a member of the prestigious Star Alliance network since April 1, 2008. The airline serves 167 destinations (128 international and 39 domestic).
He further said that the News appearing in a section of media are ill founded and not based on facts. PIA will continue operating to USA, UK, France, Norway, Denmark and some of the remaining European destinations. However, minor adjustments in frequencies will be required to make the joint venture operation economically viable for PIA.
This, he said may result in reducing international destinations served by PIA by 2-3. However, to ensure that PIA passengers are well looked after and have the same homely feeling, it has been decided that PIA Cabin Crew will be on board Turkish Airlines flights under code share arrangements to many destinations being served by PIA. The passengers will also be provided Pakistani Newspapers, food and in-flight entertainment to their tastes.
The Spokesman further added that this arrangement is agreed in principle but its implementation is subject to approvals of regulatory authorities and the Board of Directors' and shall be implemented only after finalisation of detailed agreement and integration of I.T systems. Through this arrangement PIA will be able to offer daily connectivity to the world, which would be better than the services/frequencies offered by the Mega Carriers of Gulf region. Istanbul is a tourist city and Pakistani passengers would be offered special tour packages in case they plan to take an en route stop over. It may be noted here that all passengers travelling with onward visa can acquire entry visa on arrival at Istanbul. This facility is not available at any other en route point.-PR