Sialkot: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) began direct flight operations between Europe and Sialkot last Sunday, a news source reported. Federal Minister for Aviation, Mohammad Mian Soomro, inaugurated the said operation at the Sialkot International Airport (SIAL).
The first flight, PK-720, took the route to Paris through the Barcelona-Spain airfield. Soomro, accompanied by other officials, welcomed the passengers aboard – who were treated with bouquets. The ground staff, on the other hand, greeted the aircraft with a water salute, as part of an honorary company tradition. Another PIA flight, PK-769, also followed the first one to Paris.
PIA and SIAL jointly hosted the launching ceremony. During the event, the officials present informed that PIA will initially run direct passenger flights between Paris and Sialkot once every week. The frequency of flights to other European countries will be increased later.
Soomro further added that the government is taking measures to ensure better facilities for passengers at all airports of the country. He also lauded the role of Sialkot exporters; highlighting their role in strengthening the national economy with their $2 billion worth of annual exchange.
SIAL chairman Nadeem Anwar Qureshi also spoke at the occasion. He said that the SIAL’s success had led to building trust with foreign airline companies. After the successful operation of Saudi Gulf Airline, Saudi Arabia is planning to direct flights of Saudi Airlines to Sialkot.
Qureshi added that presently, fifty-five international passenger flights take off for foreign destinations from Sialkot every week. He expected this number to increase soon.
Local businessmen built the SIAL’s mega project on a self-help basis. The SIAL Business Development Committee chairman, Mian Naeem Javaid, said that it was now proving itself to be an asset for the national economy.
