PIA Plans Direct Flights to Maldives After Adding New Aircraft

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) intends to introduce direct flights to the Maldives once it consolidates more aircraft within its fleet, announced the national carrier on Wednesday. This new route would establish direct air connectivity between Pakistan and the Maldives, potentially promoting tourism, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.

However, PIA has linked the initiation of this service to the arrival of additional aircraft. Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Amir Hayat, PIA's CEO, confirmed that the airline will commence the Maldives service upon receiving new aircraft. During a meeting with a Maldivian delegation led by National Assembly Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla at PIA's headquarters, officials discussed the proposal.

Abdulla highlighted that direct flights could enhance bilateral trade, tourism, and personal contacts, while fortifying relations between Pakistan and the Maldives. This proposal aligns with PIA's efforts to expand and modernize its fleet. Boeing is anticipated to present an updated aircraft acquisition proposal to PIA following recent talks between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Boeing Global President Dr. Brendan Nelson.

These discussions also encompassed strategies for securing earlier aircraft delivery slots and exploring interim leasing options.