MAX KINGSLEY-JONES / LONDON
Boeing narrowbodies could be on their way out as Pakistan carrier looks to revamp fleet
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) says its short-haul fleet revamp could see it replace its Boeing 737-300s with turboprops as it evaluates the future of its regional operations. The airline has just started the renewal of its widebody fleet with the delivery of the first of eight Boeing 777s.
The airline has been undertaking a long-running evaluation of replacements for its fleet of six ageing Fokker F27 turboprops, and is looking at offerings from ATR and Bombardier, says PIA managing director Ahmad Saeed. However, the evaluation has been broadened to include the future of its seven 737-300s, he says: "If we get a 70-seater turboprop, then they could replace the 737s," says Saeed.
The airline's 737s fly on PIA's short-haul network from its key bases in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore, but Saeed says increased competition from ground transport is forcing a re-evaluation of its short-haul business. "The road infrastructure is better now, and buses are cheaper. We may take the 737s out and operate a fleet of turboprops and widebodies," he says.
PIA received the first of three 329-seat General Electric GE90-powered 777-200ERs at the end of January. They are being deployed on services to London, Manchester and the USA. New services to Glasgow in the UK and Houston, Texas will begin this year.
As launch customer for the ultra-long-range 777-200LR with a contract for two aircraft, PIA will be the first to put the aircraft into service, in 2006. Three -300ERs on order will be delivered in 2008, allowing PIA to begin phasing out its 747-200/300 Classics. PIA will equip its -200LRs with a roomier cabin - 14 fewer seats than in the -200ERs - and use the additional range to launch non-stop services from Pakistan to the US West Coast, with Los Angeles set to be the first destination.
Saeed says PIAis starting its first codeshares this year, with participating carriers including Air France (to Paris and the USA), Sri Lankan Airlines and Gulf Air (through Bahrain and Muscat).
After a series of losses, the airline has been profitable for the last 11 quarters, making a profit of Rs2.11 billion ($36.8 million) in the 2002 calendar year. "We'll make Rs3.5 billion in 2003 - probably more - and are forecasting Rs4.5 billion for 2004," says Saeed.
Source: Flight International
