Sir - I would like to comment on the article "Bhoja Air leases Yak-42s" (Flight International, 25-31 January, P11).
Airlines in the private sector started operations in Pakistan in April 1993. Initially, there were four entrants: Aero Asia, Hajveri, Raji and Bhoja. Six months later, semi-private Shaheen emerged.
After nearly two years of operations, only Aero Asia remains in the field as a purely private airline.
Next to Pakistan International Airlines, Aero Asia is the largest Pakistani airline, operating six BAC 1-11s and a Boeing 707, all leased from Romania. It operates 26 flights a day to seven national airports.
Its boarding trend is now equivalent to 1 million passengers a year, with 82% year-round load factor and 90% punctuality.
International airlines, including Emirates, Gulf Air, KLM, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air, Saudia and Thai, have enough confidence in Aero Asia to book their ticket holders on its flights. Aero Asia has also been appointed general sales agent in Pakistan by three scheduled international airlines.
The Pakistani Government has recognised Aero Asia as the country's second international carrier by designating it as the airline of Pakistan in the Protocol signed with the Government of Kyrghizstan.
ARSHAD JALIL
Managing director
Aero Asia
Karachi, Pakistan
Source: Flight International
