PIA reintroduces long-grounded ATR aircraft to boost domestic flights

Airbus A320, equipped with new engines, is intended to improve airline’s network and overall service quality
A PIA plane prepares to take-off at Alama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore February 1, 2012. — Reuters

A PIA plane prepares to take-off at Alama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore February 1, 2012. — Reuters

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has reintroduced another ATR aircraft into its active fleet. This move is part of the national carrier’s efforts to enhance its operations and expand its service capabilities.

The addition of the ATR aircraft is expected to boost PIA’s domestic flights to destinations such as Gilgit, Sukkur, Turbat, and Gwadar. A spokesperson for the airline noted that PIA is focusing on maintaining a 90% on-time performance rate, which it has been consistently achieving.

This development follows the recent inclusion of an Airbus A320, designated AP-BOM, into PIA’s fleet. The Airbus A320, equipped with new engines, is intended to improve the airline’s network and overall service quality. 

These additions are part of PIA's strategy to enhance its fleet and provide better service to its passengers.

PIA resumed European flights

Earlier this month, PIA announced plans to resume flights to Europe in January, starting with Paris. This comes after a three-year hiatus due to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) suspending PIA’s authorisation in June 2020 over compliance concerns with international aviation standards.