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Pakistan International Airlines Corporation, more commonly known as '''Pakistan International Airlines''' or '''PIA''' (). HISTORY Pakistan International Airlines or '''PIA''' for short can trace its beginnings to the days when Pakistan still was not a nation. In 1946, Muhammed Ali Jinnah , realized the need for an airline network for the forming country. He called upon the help of an experienced industrialist Mirza Ahmad Ispahani to develop a new flag carrier for the nation. Meanwhile, an airline called ''' Orient Airways ''', registered in Calcutta , was formed on October 23 1946. In February 1947, the airline brought three DC-3 airplanes from a company in Texas , and in May of that year, the airline was granted a license to fly. Services were started in June from Calcutta to Akyab and Rangoon . This was the first post war airline flight by a South Asian registered airline company. Two months after this service began, Pakistan was formed. Orient Airways began relief flights to the new nation, and soon after, it moved its operations to Karachi , where it began flights from Karachi to Dhaka on June 7, 1954. In addition, the first two domestic routes in Pakistan were established, from Karachi to Lahore to Peshawar , and from Karachi to Quetta to Lahore. The Government of Pakistan, realizing the operation was failing economically, proposed Orient Airways to merge into a new national airline that the government was already in planning. On March 11 1955, Orient Airways merged with the government's proposed airline, becoming ''Pakistan International Airlines Corporation''. During the same year the airline opened its first international service, from Karachi to London Heathrow Airport via Cairo International Airport and Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino, Italy using Lockheed L-1049C Super Constellation. The DC-3s continued operating the domestic services in Pakistan. In May 1956, PIA ordered two ''Super Lockheed Constellation s'' and five Vickers Viscount 815 . In 1959, Nur Khan was named managing director. In March 1960, PIA became the first Asia n airline to enter the jet age when Boeing 707 service were introduced. The aircraft were wet leased from Pan American and in 1961 services were begun to JFK International Airport in New York . In 1962, orders were placed for Boeing 720 's, Fokker F27 's and Sikorsky helicopters. One of PIA's own Boeing 720s broke a record that year, when it flew from Karachi to London non-stop in less than 7 hours. During 1962, services to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh ) were proving to be difficult, therefore PIA placed their Sikorsky S-61 helicopters on these routes until 1966 when conditions improved. In 1964 history was made again when PIA became the first airline from a non-communist country to fly to the People's Republic Of China . As the Indo-Pakistani War Of 1965 broke out, PIA helped the Pakistani Forces with logistics and transport. In 1966, the Viscounts were phased out, substituted by four Tridents . However, as growth surpassed the need for these aircraft they were later sold to Civil Aviation Administration Of China . The 1970s saw the resumption of transatlantic flights and new destinations. It once again aided the and an agreement was signed with Yugoslav airline JAT . In 1973, McDonnell Douglas DC-10 s arrived and was used by the airline before they were replaced by Boeing 747 s. In 1974 air freight services started, as well as a cargo service to New York under the name, Pakistan International Cargo. In 1975, PIA introduced new uniforms for PIA stewardesses, and in 1976, leased Boeing 747 s came into service. In 1978, the airline bought their first 747 aircraft, which have since become a staple of the airline's fleet. Also in 1978 the airline provided help to Somali Airlines , Air Malta and Yemenia ; and established a hotel management service in the United Arab Emirates . PIA also leased two of its own Boeing 720s to Air Malta during the 70s. in a superseded colour scheme]] The 1980s began with the opening of a cargo center in Karachi and the delivery of a new aircraft, Airbus A300B4-203 . In 1981, PIA was named "most efficient airline to the Hajj operation", and a duty-free sales service was inaugurated. During 1982, the first ''C'' and ''D'' checks were carried out on the fleet in Karachi. In 1984, domestic coach fare service at night was introduced to offer cheaper prices for low-income passengers. In 1985 the PIA Planetarium tourist attraction was inaugurated in Karachi and later in Lahore which still have static Boeing 707s on display for the general public. In the same year, five Boeing 737 s joined the fleet making PIA the first asian operator of such a type. Two former PIA Boeing 720B now forms part of the Planetarium's exhibition at Karachi and Lahore. At the start of 1987 and 1988 flights were introduced to Malé and to Toronto Pearson International Airport , respectively. In 1989, the first women pilots started to command passenger flights. During June 1991, PIA received the first of six Airbus A310-308 aircraft on from Airbus Industrie . In 1992, flights started to Tashkent and in 1993, to Zürich, Switzerland . In addition, PIA became a user of the Sabre , Galileo and Amadeus global distribution systems. During 1994, PIA added more destinations with Jakarta , Fujairah , Baku and Al-Ain and for the first time air safari flights were launched using a Boeing 737 over the Karakorom Range . In 1995, a 747 Flight Simulation system arrived and a used Air France A300 aircraft was bought. In 1996 the airline leased Tupolev Tu-154 aircraft, and re-opened services to Beirut International Airport . However, PIA only used the Tupolev Tu-154 for a very short time to deal with the additional demand during the summer of 1996. In 1999, PIA leased five Boeing 747-300 aircraft from Cathay Pacific to replace its aging Boeing 747-200 aircraft. The aircraft wore a new livery with a Pashmina tail and white body, and large Pakistan titles on the front fuselage. The livery was applied to some of the fleet during the 90s but due to copyright problems the livery was dropped. The Boeing 747-300s remained in the new look but with a plain green tail with PIA titles, however, the other aircraft in the fleet were repainted in the 1990s livery. In July 2002, PIA purchased six Boeing 747-300 aircraft from Cathay Pacific , five of which were already on lease with PIA. The sixth arrived shortly after and PIA operated the six aircraft mainly on the North American and European routes. Later after a period of ten years of no new orders in October 2002, the airline purchased eight Boeing 777 aircraft from The Boeing Company , including three 200 ER (Extended Range), two 200 LR (Longer Range) and three 300 ER versions. PIA was the launch customer that revived the Boeing 777-200LR project that, until then, only had three orders by EVA Air . The first two Boeing 777-200LR produced were test aircraft used by Boeing, before they were delivered to PIA. One of these Boeing 777-200LR was displayed at the Paris Airshow during 2005. During 2004, PIA took delivery of its first Boeing 777 aircraft in January, where the aircraft flew from Seattle to Islamabad via London Heathrow. By March of the same year all three B777-200ER variants that had been ordered were delivered and operating flights to UK , North America and USA . On delivery of the first three Boeing 777s the airline introduced a new livery to its fleet, which was later applied to the majority of the fleet. PIA also acquired six half life Airbus A310-300/ET from the Airbus management on a ten year lease agreement. On November 3 , 2005 PIA signed an agreement with the aircraft manufacturer, ATR to purchase seven ATR42-500 . The aircraft were purchased to replace the aging F-27 aircraft. The seven ATR aircraft were delivered between 2006 and 2007 . On 6 December 2005, PIA leased an additional new Boeing 777 from the International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC). The aircraft had the same specifications as the previous Boeing 777-200ER that PIA operated. The aircraft was delivered in January 2007 and on lease for ten years to the airline. On February 25 , 2006 Boeing delivered its first B777-200LR Worldliner to PIA, where it flew from Everett to Islamabad via Manchester , England . Since the long range Boeing 777 can operate further PIA started direct, nonstop flights from Toronto to Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore from March 3 , 2006. PIA planned non-stop flights to New York City and other US cities with sizable Pakistani population centers, but was not given permission due to security reasons. PIA received the delivery of its second Boeing 777-200LR on March 23 , 2006. On May 31 , 2006, PIA took delivery of its first ATR aircraft from Toulouse, France. On December 23, 2006, PIA took delivery of its first Boeing 777-300ER that flew from Seattle to Islamabad via Manchester. As a result of the arrival of a second ATR 42-500 PIA has ceased using military Lockheed C-130 Hercules for passenger services in the north of Pakistan, used after its Fokker F27 fleet was grounded after a fatal crash in July 2006. This had also prompted PIA to move Boeing 737 aircraft from international to domestic services. On PRIVATIZATION PIA is owned by the government of Pakistan. The privatization of PIA has been announced but was never implemented by the government. Though PIA reported a total turnover of $1 billion in 2005, profitability was affected due to doubling of global fuel prices since 2000. Pakistan International Airlines Annual Reports, 2005 Brecorder Financial Newspaper, The high gasoline prices have increased yearly losses. In first six months of 2006, PIA has lost $100 million dollars (Rs. 6 billion). Another source of PIA's inefficiency has been the over-staffing of employees over the past 10-20 years that have crippled the organisations finances because of too many salaries with little or no work being done by such a large number of extra employees. Another major reason for being the basis of loss in PIA is that the higher officials of PIA tend to go abroad with their families on the expense of PIA. PIA suffers over Rs 6 billion loss Back door discussions with potential buyers continue without any positive result. Following the global trend, several steps towards outsourcing of non-core business have been initiated. Catering units - starting with Karachi Flight Kitchen - Ground Handling - starting with Ramp Services - and Engineering are to be gradually carved out of the airline and operated as independant companies or units thus making the airline more efficient, leaner and more attractive for potential buyers. DESTINATIONS CODESHARE Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has codeshare agreements with the following airlines:
FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM PIA Award+ Plus is the Frequent Flyer Programme of Pakistan International Airlines. The program allows passengers to get free tickets, excess baggage vouchers, cabin upgrades, and a variety of exciting rewards and special deals. Awards +Plus offers three tiers of membership to frequent flyers that include Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond. The deal is the more often you fly PIA, the more A+ Miles you will accumulate, bringing you a step closer to the next tier of membership. You can also earn and redeem A+ miles not just by flying PIA, but also by using the products and services of PIA's partners. FLEET Pakistan International Airlines fleet includes the following aircraft (as of August 2007 ): PIA website November 2006http://www.ch-aviation.ch/aircraft.phphttp://www.historyofpia.com/fleet.htm Speculation As PIA fleet is growing old and with no orders during the 1990s, there is a great deal of pressure on the airline to replace its Boeing 747 and Airbus A310 fleet with more modern and high tech aircraft. According to relevant sources, PIA is planning to order two more Boeing 777-200LR, that will increase PIA's fleet of Boeing 777-200LR to four. The airline is also planning to lease an additional Boeing 777-300ER, that will increase PIA's fleet of Boeing 777-300ER to four. This plan is to make PIA's long haul fleet to one type and replace the boeing 747 with Boeing 777. PIA is also considering to buy new generation Boeing 747-8 to replace its older Boeing 747-300 and Boeing 747-200 Combi, however, nothing concrete has been announced. For PIA short haul fleet, there are to buy three ATR 72 which may be delivered after the seven ATR 42-500 in 2007. Also, PIA earns a majority of profits from its cargo division and hence PIA is also planning to buy three A310-300F for cargo operations to replace the Boeing 747-200 Combis. CARGO OPERATIONS Pakistan International Airlines Cargo was started in 1974 using two Boeing 707-320C to its cargo division with services to the Middle East and Europe , however, the operations ended in late 1990s when both aircraft were grounded. PIA Cargo transports a range of goods across Pakistan as well as to international destinations. These include from edibles such as meat and vegetables, to textiles, paper products, laboratory equipment, and even un-cremated human remains. Currently Turkey's MNG Airlines fly cargo services for PIA under an agreement using A300 F freighters to London Luton Airport and Cologne via Istanbul. On the domestic front, PIA has also been operating an extensive cargo delivery system within Pakistan. During the early 1970s, PIA operated a service called "Air Express" that delivered documents and parcels from one airport to another. It was only until 2003, PIA decided to launch a full courier service and introducing "PIA Speedex". The services was started in the three cities; Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad expanding over the year into twelve cities. Today, the airline offers over seventy locations within Pakistan with shipments collected and delivered to and from customer homes. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE During the first quarter of 2007, the airline achieved a 5% growth in overall revenue mainly supported by 7.6% increase in passenger revenue which was partially lowered by a 10% reduction in cargo revenue. The revenue growth was reduced due to the EU ban from early March which meant only the Boeing 777 were able to operate into Europe. This caused many of the European services to be put on hold until the aircraft that were considered to be inefficient to be brought up to EU standards so they can continue flying. Even with the fuel cost remaining at the 2006 level due to stable oil prices in the first quarter 2007, the operating and financing cost increased in proportion. The impact of 2006 salary hike, increased cost of leased aircraft and higher maintenance cost of PIA fleet increased the overall operating expenses by 19%. Consequently, the airline suffered an operating loss of Rs 2.5 billion in the first quarter. MARKETING
LIVERY In December 2003 PIA introduced a new image this was also applied to their first 777-200ER Pre-delivery colours on the Boeing 777-200/ER at Everett and another newly leased A310-300 the design on both aircraft was changed before delivery to PIA and was modified with the tail being painted beige with a flowing Pakistan flag on it. PIA lettering was enlarged and moved to the fuselage. In early 2006 they unveiled four designs representing the four provinces of Pakistan to be applied on the tails throughout their fleet, these will replace the present flag. HAJJ AND UMRAH OPERATIONS 737 aircraft leased by PIA during Hajj season of 2005-2006 seen at Jinnah International Airport , Karachi]] PIA operates an extensive two-month (pre and post) Hajj operation each year to and from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia . PIA transports 90,000 pilgrims each year from Karachi , Lahore , Islamabad , Peshawar , Quetta , Faisalabad , Multan , Sukkur to the Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia . In 2000, PIA operated a total of 306 flights, in its pre-Hajj and post-Hajj operations, which extended over a period of 26 days. A total of 88243 Hajjis (pilgrims) were transported from 12th Feb 2000 to 14th April, 2000. PIA also operates flights from Pakistan to Jeddah and other destination in Saudi Arabia during the Umrah season. In order to deal with the demand the airline leases many different aircraft including Boeing 747-200s , Airbus A300 B2s and Boeing 737-400s . PIA also caters for Afghan pilgrims in Hajj season, flying between Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia . VIP TRANSPORTATION PIA have always catered the Presidents and Prime Ministers official overseas visits throughout Pakistan's history. During the late 1990s, Prime Minister Sharif's govternment bought a Boeing 737-300 "AP-BEH" PIA B737 in Government Colours for official use. Initially it wore a government colour scheme, and eventually a partial PIA 1990s livery was adopted as the aircraft was given to PIA for commercial use while it was not on official duty. However, when the government changed after a Military coup in 1999, the Boeing B737 was transferred to PIA permanently. The President and Prime Minister then resorted to using two of PIA's Airbus A310-300 for official visits, while rare trips were done on regular commercial flights of the airline. In February 2007 the government of Qatar gifted one of their VIP fleet A310 Airliners.net: Pakistan Air Force A310-304 to the Pakistani government, this has ended the need of using PIA planes. ACHIEVEMENTS AND RECOGNITIONS
INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS
REFERENCES ADDITIONAL REFERENCES (PIA) 777-200 taxing in Frankfurt International Airport ]]
SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS ; Official ; Unofficial
; Fleet Details ; Other
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