ISLAMABAD: French Ambassador Nicolas Galey on Thursday welcomed Pakistan International Airlines CEO Amir Hayat and his team to his residence here to celebrate the relaunch of their national flag carrier’s direct flights between Islamabad and Paris.
He declared the development a significant milestone, underscoring the solid aviation relationship between France and Pakistan. “These direct flights will strengthen the bond between our two countries,” he said.
The ambassador extended gratitude to the PIA for choosing Paris as the first European destination for the airline’s resumed operations and highlighted the strong ties between France and Pakistan, emphasising the importance of direct connectivity between the two countries.
Acknowledging that he’s not yet had the opportunity to experience the flight, he said his colleagues at the French Embassy, who had flown on the service, spoke highly of the PIA’s punctuality and high-quality service. He attributed this accomplishment to the dedication of the airline and its team.
The ambassador also recognised the efforts of the PIA and Pakistan’s government and civil aviation sector in meeting European Union Aviation Safety Agency standards following the 2020 PIA Airbus jet crash into a crowded residential area of Karachi and commended the sustained efforts made to reopen the European sky to Pakistani airlines after overcoming numerous challenges.
He said two weekly flights, with the possibility of an additional third flight, would significantly enhance both human and economic exchanges between Pakistan, Europe and beyond. He emphasised the convenience these flights offer to political leaders, business professionals, students, artists, academics, tourists and diplomats. He highlighted the partnership established between the PIA and the Air France-KLM on the occasion of the reopening of the line to Paris and said the partnership offered connections from CDG to 21 destinations in Europe on the AF-KLM network with passenger and baggage check-in at the Islamabad airport, with connecting flights available across the European network.
“With a flight time of around seven hours, travels to Paris and 21 cities are significantly reduced. As is the cost of the trips: PIA tickets to Paris or to the final destinations on Air France-KLM flights are significantly more affordable than the options available on other routes. Time is money, we know that. Here, passengers will save time and money,” he said.
The ambassador said the Paris CDG Airport was a major international hub offering non-stop flights to over 300 destinations across 112 countries, making this partnership a strategic advantage for travelers. He also recognised the growing need for the PIA to modernise and expand its fleet and said European aviation manufacturers, including Airbus and ATR, would help out Pakistan’s national flag carrier. He hoped for the continued strengthening of France-Pakistan partnership in aviation and beyond.
