E.U. Lifts ban on Eleven PIA Planes

Asalaamu-Alykum,


Pakistan International Airlines, was banned to fly into the European Union, consequentially PIA ended up losing more than Rs. 26.5 Billion. But recently European Union has lifted the ban from 11 additional airplanes.


A report published on July 5, 2007 in the Official Journal of the European Union stated "it is assessed that Pakistan International Airlines should be allowed to operate to the Community[European Union]." Now PIA, in addition to its Boeing 777s will now also be able to fly three of its Boeing 747-300's, each of which can carry 433 passengers, Two Boeing 747-200's, Which are configured to carry 298 passengers each, and Six Airbus 310's, which has the capacity to carry 198 passengers each.

With Pakistan 8* Boeing 777's including four 200-ER's able to hold 329 passengers each, two 200-LR's configured to seat 310 passengers each and two huge 300-ER which can carry 393 passengers per flight, after the completion of the procedures required by European Union Pakistan International Airline will have permission to fly 19 out of its 42 airplanes.

Even though the ban have been lifted it is not sure when PIA will be able to meet certified criteria, and resume its flights to European union. Once they do, it will again provide more competition and thus lower airfares for the customers.

Abu Abdullah,
The Doctor of Truth

*One of the Boeing 777-200ER is on lease from ILFC, and One more Boeing 777-300ER is due to be delivered in 2008