PIA receives green light for direct flights to US

KARACHI: In yet another major development, American authorities on Thursday green- lightened Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for the direct flight operations to the United States, citing sources ARY News reported.

The development follows, after a meeting of the Consul General of the United States of America JoAnne Wagner on Wednesday with the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) CEO Arshad Malik, here at the PIA headquarters.

Mr Malik had requested the US dignitary to open direct flights to New York, Chicago and Houston.

He also informed the visiting delegation about purchasing of new jets.

Sources privy to the development said, the PIA has started its preparations for the direct flight operations to the US.

Read more: PIA resumes flight operations to Barcelona

The national flag carrier had shut its direct flight operations to the US owing to financial losses of the organization.

JoAnne Wagner had assured to contact the relevant authorities for direct flights to certain US cities from Pakistan.

She said: “We are eager to improve ties between the US and Pakistan.” She was of the view that both the countries must improve trade ties, as there was much room for furthering relations.

British Airways is all set to re-start its London-Islamabad flight operation route from June 2 this year, spokesman of British Airways said.

The first non-stop flight of British Airways will leave from Heathrow on June 2 on a 787-8 Dreamliner to Pakistan. “The sale for tickets on this route is on and the introductory fare for summer holidays will start from £447 including all charges and taxes,” said the spokesman.