Pakistan Super League: Airline offers free VIP services to APS survivors

Over 150 students, teachers attended inauguration ceremony for PSL as Shaheen Airlines stepped up to help

PESHAWAR: An airline in Pakistan decided to offer free VIP services to Army Public School students so they can attend Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Dubai.

Insiders told The Express Tribune the trip was previously being facilitated by Pakistan International Airlines. However, after employees of the national carrier went on strike, Shaheen Airlines decided to step in and offered its services.

“All decisions and arrangements had been made by the airline’s management,” said Muhammad Rafi, head of Shaheen Airlines Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Doha division. “We only learned that students and faculty of APS were coming when a chartered plane reached Bacha Khan International Airport (BKIA) and took off for Dubai on February 4.”

He informed NL-786 carried all students and teachers and provided them with VIP services.

“There were not only given a royal treatment on board but in the departure lounge as well,” he said. “All VIP passengers were given bouquets, presents and other valuable items showcasing the airline.”

Shaheen Airlines Station Manager Mushtaq Muhammad said the children were given a warm welcome by crew members where they were offered the best services the airline can provide. A special menu was also arranged for them.

“We did not offer them the routine menu,” the station manager told The Express Tribune. “We arranged a special menu for them, like that one that is offered at five-star hotels.”

On January 26, Pakistan T-20 Captain Shahid Afridi announced he would be taking 150 students from APS to Dubai for the inauguration ceremony of PSL.

The APS students received a royal welcome under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Hamdan at Dubai International Airport where a team from the UAE royal’s office received the students.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th, 2016.