News
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
PIA’s pre-Haj flights leave for Saudi Arabia
* PIA to transport 62,000 pilgrims through 151 Haj flightsKARACHI: The first pre-Haj flight of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) left Karachi for Jeddah on Monday.
The flight carrying 276 intending pilgrims was seen off by PIA Managing Director Muhammad Junaid Yunus and other officials. Another PIA Haj flight left from Islamabad on schedule, carrying 481 intending pilgrims who were seen off by PIA Director Customer Services Rasheed Ahmad, followed by PK 2301 which left late in the evening from Lahore, carrying 501 intending pilgrims. The fourth flight of the day was planned from Quetta at night.
PIA Managing Director Muhammad Junaid Yunus greeted the pilgrims before they boarded the aircraft and ensured departure of the flight on schedule. He assured the pilgrims that the PIA Haj operation will be performed with religious fervour. However, he added that although meticulous arrangements are in place for providing travelling facilities, but if the pilgrims still face any difficulty, they may approach the PIA management for their resolution. The departing pilgrims prayed for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan and the national flag carrier.
Later, speaking with media PIA MD Junaid Yunus said that the entire Haj operation will be conducted with PIA’s own fleet without leasing any aircraft. This will lead to huge savings for the national flag carrier. PIA will operate Haj flights with two dedicated Boeing 747s and two Boeing 777 aircraft. The Boeing 777 will mainly be operated from Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta, whereas Boeing 747 will be operated from Lahore, Islamabad, Multan and Sialkot, he said. Yunus said that the airline’s pre-Haj operation will conclude on October 9. He said that the PIA would be carrying around 62,000 pilgrims to the holy land through 151 Haj flights, whereas more than 8,000 pilgrims will be transported on regular scheduled flights. staff report
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk