ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ):Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) resumed direct flights to ManchesterUnited Kingdom (UK) on Saturday after a five-year pause. The first flight from Islamabad to Manchester departed with 284 passengers.
In his addfess Khawaja Asif, Minister of Aviation, said that to meet the standards of the world’s strictest aviation bodies, the government had “completely overhauled pilot training, the licensing system, aircraft maintenance and safety procedures”.
“It is a matter of great pride that we raised our standards so high that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had to restore confidence in PIA,” he remarked.
Initially, four weekly flights are expected to operate. Flights from Birmingham and London are expected to follow in the next phase.
The minister lauded the efforts of Pakistani embassies and diplomatic staff in Britain and across Europe.
“They vigorously made Pakistan’s case on the diplomatic stage, provided the necessary evidence and remained in constant contact. Thanks to their persistent efforts, the cloud of restrictions lifted and PIA was given the right to resume its regular routes,” he said.
“There are over 1.4 million Pakistanis in Britain and Europe. The remittances they send are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. Thus, providing them with direct flights is both a moral and national duty. These services will save them time, offer reasonable fares and provide direct air links to their homeland,“ he said.
Asif shared that the government is determined to start direct flights to London and Birmingham soon after Manchester, as part of its plan to restore and expand PIA’s global network.
