The cut in fares is for important routes between Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. For instance, the new starting rates will be Rs3,020 down from Rs7,551 between Karachi and Islamabad and Rs2,810 down from Rs7,288 between Karachi and Lahore, the spokesperson of PIA said.
In order to provide relief to general public and promote domestic tourism, PIA offers competitive fares according to the market demand, a press release issued stated.
These fares are one-way, excluding surcharges and taxes, and only applicable for domestic sale in Pakistan. The national carrier always strives to provide affordable air links between various parts of the country.
The private airline Shaheen Air fares range between Rs9,200 and Rs16,500 from Karachi to Islamabad while Karachi to Lahore fares varies from Rs7,200 to Rs11,200 (one-way rates with taxes), a travel agent informed.
He also said that the minimum fares that PIA announced on Wednesday will not be available for all aircrafts. The above-mentioned low fares of PIA will be available for only big planes with over 400 seats.
The spokesperson of Shaheen Air said that airline fares fluctuate on a day-to-day basis and one cannot specify how and when the airlines are offering low fares.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2012.
COMMENTS (14)
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Have we forgot the demise of railway? This will attract even the lower middle class customers too. Sales are likely to go high. Of course it makes sense that only the bigger planes will afford this price leeway
Why don't they just slash the entire airlines of PIA. Its planes are far too old. I would never travel on them now, too scary.
@Billoo Bhaya: This move in specific might be beneficial. I have to look at their financials and available / utilized capacity. However, if the capacity utilization in the bigger planes is low, this will be a marketing tactic to bring back lost customers and then raise prices back after some time once considerable sales volume has been achieved. This is further backed by the fact that there is significant price gap between PIA and Shaheen. Either Shaheen is charging too high or PIA has too low of a cost structure. If neither of these is the case (most likely scenario), then PIA is doing it just to attract customers in the short-term. But as you said, if the primary customer concern is quality of service rather than the price point, it might not be too beneficial of a move.
@Butt.. Thanks but PIA still have not slashed their air fares... Check with their web site or call centers.. They have no idea when will low fares will be offered
fares for pia are sky high for the foreseeable future. this news seems to be inaccurate
@Billoo Bhaya: It is already in the hands of thieves. Cant be worse.
PIA will play this dirty game to cut the local competition, upon government funding. Once the smaller, private enterprises wither away, the nation will be at their mercy again.
The most expensive ticket are sold by PIA for Quetta bound passengers. Reason is inconsiderateness, insensitivity towards the people living in this part of the country, absence of Pashtuns and Balochs in the decision making forums of PIA and monopoly of PIA on the route.
@Billoo Bhaya: Not happening in thousand years unless privatized. Why should they be efficient when all their employees from MD to a peon, knows that no matter what they will get their salary at the end of every month. Privatize it and even MD will be scared of losing his job if he isn't efficient. Their only aim will be profit thus they will invest in both of these departments by getting latest technology, comfortable & cleaner planes & bogies that are always on time and every one is happy to use them.
@Maher: Read the first sentence of the article.
They have not mentioned from which date above prices will be applicable ???
This is another joke the new MD has played on us. The airline needs to improve its punctuality and service, from the time of reservation to the final delivery of bags to passengers at the end of their journey. That's how it will get people on board not by slashing fares to a point where they do not cover their operating costs. PIA is going to go down into bankruptcy faster and will end up in the hands of thieves before the end of this Government.