Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is looking to expand its long-haul network, while also studying the possibility of replacing its Boeing 737-300 narrowbodies with turboprops. The carrier plans to start its first codeshares this year, with Air France (to Paris and the USA), Gulf Air (through Muscat and Bahrain) and Sri Lankan Airlines.
The move comes as the carrier renews its widebody fleet, replacing ageing Boeing 747-200/300s with three Boeing 777-200ERs, three 777-300ERs and two long-range 777-200LRs. PIA is launch customer for the 777-200LR, and is planning to use the extra range to start services to the western USA, starting with Los Angeles.
New services to Glasgow and Houston will begin this year, and PIA is also upping frequencies to the UK, USA and Canada. PIA has fifth-freedom rights to fly from the UK to the USA, but not from London Heathrow. The carrier is also looking to start services to Almaty, Kazakhstan, Tashkent in Uzbekistan and Barcelona/ Madrid, and has been evaluating the possibility of adding Tehran, Damascus, Istanbul and Nairobi to its route network.
On short-haul routes, the carrier is considering replacing its seven Boeing 737-300s with turboprops. A study is already under way into replacing the six-strong Fokker F27 turboprop fleet with either 70-seat ATRs or Bombardier Dash 8 types, and this could be extended to include the 737s.
PIA managing director Ahmed Saeed points to the cheaper running costs of turboprops and suggests they will be more suited to PIA's regional routes than 737s. "The road infrastructure has improved and buses are much cheaper," he notes.
PIA was hit badly by the 11 September terrorist attacks, but has recovered well since, recording profits for 11 consecutive quarters. Saeed expects to exceed the Rp3.5 billion ($61 million) profit forecast for 2003, and is pencilling in Rp4.5 billion for 2004, when it hopes to break through the $1 billion barrier in terms of revenues.
COLIN BAKER LONDON
Source: Airline Business
