All-economy plane: PIA to add more ATRs to fleet

With the induction of aircraft, the total number of ATR aircraft in PIA fleet will rise to 11

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has acquired five French-built ATR-72 aircraft, each with a capacity of 66 seats, on dry lease for a period of eight years. The acquisition is aimed at increasing short local flights.

According to a statement, the first of the five aircraft landed at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi on Saturday. The remaining four will join the PIA fleet by the end of May, the statement said, adding that these planes will have economy class only.

With the induction of the aircraft, the total number of ATR aircraft in the PIA fleet will rise to 11, it said.

The fuel efficient ATR aircraft would fly on domestic routes, PIA Chairman Nasser NS Jaffer said inspecting the plane on its arrival. PIA MD Shah Nawaz Rehman and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 13^th, 2015.