Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) expects to generate over Rs107 million in revenue from its inaugural direct flight to Paris, scheduled for January 10. The flight will depart Islamabad at 12:10 pm, signaling the return of the Paris route after a four-and-a-half-year break.
The suspension came after the European Union imposed a ban on PIA flights in 2020. The ban followed the crash of flight 8303 and raised concerns about the validity of pilot licenses. With the ban now lifted, PIA is once again able to offer flights to Europe, including the much-anticipated direct service to Paris.
High Demand and Sold-Out Flights
According to a PIA spokesperson, the airline has seen an overwhelming response to the new route, with nearly all seats for both the Islamabad-Paris and Paris-Islamabad round trips fully booked. “The airline has received strong demand for the new route, with both inaugural flights sold out,” the spokesperson said.
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In addition to the high demand, PIA has introduced an intranet wireless entertainment system on board. Passengers can now access content through their mobile phones, tablets, or laptops, making their journey more enjoyable. This new service aims to improve the passenger experience on long-haul flights, especially for those traveling to Europe.
Two Weekly Flights and Business Class Occupancy
PIA will operate two weekly direct flights between Islamabad and Paris. Despite the strong demand, nearly 40% of the business class seats on the inaugural flight are occupied by PIA officials. The spokesperson also emphasized the affordability of the tickets, highlighting the significant time savings offered by the direct flights. This service is expected to benefit passengers traveling between Pakistan and France, making the journey more convenient and efficient.
The resumption of the Paris route aligns with PIA’s efforts to strengthen its international network and attract more passengers. With strong booking numbers and new onboard services, the airline looks forward to successfully expanding its presence in Europe.
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