Asif vows to make PIA profitable as airline resumes UK flights after five-year hiatus

ISLAMABAD: In a positive development, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) a profitable and competitive organisation as the national flag carrier resumed weekly flights to the United Kingdom (UK) on Saturday after a hiatus of five years.

The defence czar made the remarks while speaking during an inauguration ceremony at the Islamabad International Airport to mark the resumption of PIA’s flight operations to the United Kingdom. PIA’s flight PK-701 of Boeing 777 departed from Islamabad airport to Manchester.

A special ceremony will also be held at Manchester Airport to welcome the inaugural flight, said a PIA spokesperson. Britain lifted the five-year ban in July this year, allowing Pakistani airlines to apply to restart UK flights. The flight resumption became possible after PIA received Third Country Operator (TCO) approval from British authorities last month.

Addressing the ceremony, Asif said the suspension of PIA’s UK operations had caused significant financial losses to the government, but added that the airline’s standards had now been restored. “We have successfully reinstated the quality and credibility of our national airline,” he added.

The federal defence commended the efforts of Pakistan’s diplomatic staff, saying their tireless work had played a crucial role in lifting the ban. He also acknowledged the cooperation of the British high commissioner. The ceremony was attended by British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, defence secretary and other senior officials.

PIA is planning to introduce direct flights to London and Birmingham. “The resumption of direct flights from Islamabad to Manchester marks the beginning of a new era of connectivity between Pakistan and the UK, which will provide significant convenience to the Pakistani community residing there,” the minister said and directed PIA management to improve flight schedules, upgrade cabin services and take steps to increase the number of flights in the future.

He said the flights to Manchester were an “excellent start” but the government would not stop there. “We plan that after Manchester, flights to London and Birmingham will also be started,” he said.