Fifth A320 Aircraft joins Pakistan International Airlines fleet, eight more to be added this year

Karachi, May 21, 2015 (PPI-OT): The fifth A320 aircraft to be inducted in PIA fleet arrived at Jinnah International Airport at 4:00 AM, Thursday morning. Managing Director PIA, Shahnawaz Rehman sharing his views on the arrival of A320 aircraft said that the induction of more aircraft in PIA fleet became possible due to the patronage of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and untiring efforts of Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Aviation, Mr. Shujaat Azeem and Chairman PIA, Mr. Nasser NS Jaffer.

He further said that PIA’s financial results of 1st quarter 2015 are indicative of better financial performance compared to the corresponding period of last year. He said that with newer versions of fuel efficient aircraft being included in PIA fleet; the employees will have to put in extra efforts for turning around the corporation towards the desired goal for Revival of PIA.

He said that the airline is in the process of increasing capacity by inducting aircraft in its fleet and has initiated acquirement of aircraft through a transparent and competitive bidding process. The airline now has five A320 aircraft while eight more A320 Narrow body aircraft will be added to PIA fleet by June- July, 2015. Furthermore, out of five ATR-72 aircraft being leased, two ATR-72 aircraft have already been added to the fleet while the remaining will be included shortly.

PIA has also floated tender for three Wide body aircraft for inclusion in the airline’s fleet. He said that with the inclusion of fuel efficient, narrow body aircraft, the airline’s operations are improving; enabling further efficiency, better control on fuel cost and PIA’s regularity. These aircraft will be deployed on domestic as well as short haul international routes. He concluded.

For more information, contact:
Muhammad Mashhood Tajwar
General Manager
Public Affairs
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
PIA Head Office Airport
Karachi
Tel: +92-21-99043823
Fax: +92-21-34572225, +92-21-34570419
Cell: +92-322-7420707