Talking to the media, after inaugurating PIA's first Islamabad-Madina direct flight at Benazir Bhutto International Airport(BBIA), Mukhtar said that it was a good deal as these aircrafts were cheaper in price than the planes acquired on lease in 2002.
The Defence Minister said that leveling corruption charges against the lease agreement was injustice to the country.
“No payment has been made to the Boeing company and PIA will make payment after earnings,” he added.
About the slot agreement, he said that PIA had got booked slots for its aircrafts which were exchangeable.
On entry fee of Benazir Bhutto International Airport, he said that the fee was imposed to ensure security and easy movement of passengers.
Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director, PIA, Nadeem Yousafzai said after Islamabad-Madina direct flight, the PIA would also launch direct flights from Peshawar and Quetta to the holy city to facilitate passengers going for pilgrimage. He added that the national flag carrier was already flying direct flights from Karachi and Lahore to Madina.
The Defence Minister and Managing Director, PIA also saw off passengers on the inaugural flight.
Regarding a fresh inquiry into the Air Blue crash, he said that a comprehensive and detailed inquiry had already been completed and announced.
On the issue of Balochistan, the minister said that some foreign elements were behind the problem, who did not want a developed and flourished Pakistan.
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@Majid Urrehman - lets look at where Emirates is today and where PIA is today. Thats because of the crooked people running the show not only in PIA but in Pakistan.
The list price for a Boeing 777 is approx. $ 150 million. What is the other $ 150 million for? I can take a guess and say that is to line the pockets of the jiyalas in government today. Out and out fraud to the tune of $ 750 million.
@Majid Urrehman: Most expatriate Pakistanis I know, including myself prefer to take PIA over any Gulf airline including Emirates. PIA still enjoys the confidence of most Pakistanis which is why the flights are always full from North America.
Not an ordinary airline can think to use 777. We must appreciate PIA that their aim is still high and they still want to rule the airs. We must no forget the fact that Emirates airline was set up by PIA.