Germany museum interested in PIA’s A-310 aircraft

National carrier intends to sell all its planes of the variant

KARACHI: A museum in Germany has expressed interest in buying A-310 aircraft from Pakistan International Airlines after the national carrier placed an advertisement intending to sell all its planes of the variant.

The museum wants to keep it as a symbol of PIA’s presence in Europe, among aircraft of several other international airlines. The final decision about selling it would be made after bids are opened on December 12, in accordance with relevant rules.



It has also been revealed that PIA has acquired 18 narrow body/fuel efficient aircraft during the last two years which has improved its fleet age from 14 years to 9 years.

The induction has meant the punctuality of flights has also witnessed an increase to above 90% during 2016.

Official sources at Aviation Division, while listing achievements and profit earned by PIA during the tenure of present government on Wednesday, said the organisation recorded a gross operating profit of Rs2.83 billion in the first quarter of 2015.

The sources said PIA also launched its premier service initially on London route effective August 14, 2016 and response of this upgraded service is very encouraging.



PIA has also obtained A-330-300 aircraft from Sri Lankan airlines.

The sources said in line with Prime Minister’s Youth Development Programme, cabin crew training centers have been established at Lahore, Nawabshah, Swat, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Quetta besides Karachi.

The cabin crew was trained from Qatar Airways while new seat tablets were introduced for B-777 aircraft in Business Class.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 1^st, 2016.

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