RAWALPINDI: The newly inducted Airbus A320 aircraft in Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) fleet has become operational after it made its inaugural flight from Islamabad to Karachi on Tuesday.

PK-369 with 166 passengers onboard departed at 4pm from Islamabad International Airport.

PIA’s spokesperson said the aircraft, with registration number AP-BMV, was equipped with new seats and a modern cabin. He added that the aircraft had been acquired on dry lease for six years as the PIA aimed to provide comfortable travel and best facilities to its passengers. With this addition, the PIA now has 32 aircraft in its fleet, including 13 Airbus planes.

The PIA had acquired the aircraft as part of its drive to add more airplanes to its fleet. It arrived in Pakistan from Sharjah last month.

Last year, PIA had invited a tender for acquiring four aircraft, out of which three have arrived while the last one will arrive over the next few days, the spokesperson added. The first aircraft arrived in April.

Published in Dawn, October 5th, 2022