PIA gets clearance for Boeing 787, first flight from London on October 31
Pakistan International Airlines has received clearance to operate the Boeing 787 for the first time after an inspection at Oslo Airport. Flight PK-786 is to leave London for Islamabad on October 31.
- The Civil Aviation Authority cleared the first Boeing 787 after an inspection at Oslo Airport.
- Flight PK-786 is to depart London on October 31 and reach Islamabad on November 1.
- The aircraft seats 358 passengers and was acquired on wet lease for an initial six months.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has received clearance to operate the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for the first time, after aviation officials completed an inspection of the first aircraft.
A delegation led by Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Director General Nader Shafi Dar inspected the aircraft at Oslo Airport and granted permission for its operation, according to the reports. The CAA began the necessary checks on the aircraft before their arrival in Pakistan.
The second Boeing 787 is to be inspected at Oslo Airport on Monday. ProPakistani reports that the third aircraft is scheduled for inspection at London Airport on November 20. Express News, citing sources, said both aircraft will be sent to London once their inspections are complete.
PIA will operate flight PK-786 from London to Islamabad on October 31 using the Boeing 787. The flight is expected to land in Islamabad with passengers on November 1.
Earlier this month, PIA signed a deal with the Norwegian aviation group Norse Atlantic for two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to expand its long-haul capacity between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. According to Express News, the aircraft were obtained for UK and European operations and taken on wet lease for an initial six months.
The Boeing 787 has seating for 358 passengers. The airline is also to introduce new staff uniforms on October 31, alongside the start of operations with the new aircraft, according to the reports.
ProPakistani adds that the airline is also working to upgrade the cabins of its Boeing 777 fleet to improve the passenger experience on long-haul routes.
Why it matters
The aircraft are meant to expand PIA's long-haul capacity between Pakistan and the UK, which affects Pakistani passengers and the diaspora travelling on the route.
