PIA flies B-777 from NY to Islamabad in one clean hop

PIA flies B-777 from NY to Islamabad in one clean hop

KARACHI: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) achieved another landmark in its long history, when its Boeing 777 Longer Range aircraft landed at the Islamabad Airport, on a direct flight form New York in one clean hop in the evening of March 24.

It was the same aeroplane that flew non-stop form Hong Kong to London, the long way, for two days, covering 11,664 nautical miles without stopping in 22 hours and 43 minutes. After this feat, the aircraft was named the “Worldliner”. This same aircraft is now owned by the PIA as part of its fleet.

PIA Chairman and CEO Tariq Kirmani, along with Boeing’s Senior Vice President Scott Carson, accompanied the delivery of the airplane all the way from Seattle. Kirmani told mediamen on the occasion, the new Boeing 777 LR’s was a continuation of PIA’s strategy to expand its network, frequencies to station within its network and its fleet. “This will result not only in the increase of its market share and seat factor but would also help reduce the age of the PIA fleet form its current 21 years to a bare nine years, when its fleet expansion plan comes to an end in a few years time.”

He said that besides the combination of eight LR’s and ER’s already bought, four more would be added, of which the lease-deal of one is already firmed up. “The PIA is focusing on the convenience and comfort of its passengers and that there in no question of compromise on safety mattes,” Kirmani added.

The chairman said that PIA was aware of the competition and would not lose its competitiveness in the market place. “We are in competition with other airlines so we need to keep our fares, according to the international market.”

He added that the percentage of complaints had gone down drastically, while the number of complaint cards received has gone up form only 200 to nearly 1,800 comment cards per week.

Boeing Senior Vice President Carson said that soon PIA’s Precision Engineering Complex would be collaborating with the Boeing in the making of certain spares. When asked whether PIA was good enough to do so, Carson replied: “Yes, PIA was good enough” adding that they both would learn from each other’s experience. The Boeing 777 LR flew onwards to Karachi after a short stay at Islamabad.

Source: Jang