Boeing 777 inducted into PIA fleet

KARACHI: With the induction of the world's longest range commercial airplane Boeing 777-2000LR in the PIA fleet, the airlines is going to start non-stop flights from Karachi to Toronto (Canada) from March 3, said Tariq Kirmani, the Chairman PIA here on Monday.

Addressing a ceremony held at the corporation's headquarters to commemorate the induction of the one of two Boeing 777-2000LR aircraft procured by the PIA, Mr Kirmani informed that the second plane would be inducted in the fleet by the end of March 2006, which would be plied from Karachi to New York and Washington.

The PIA is the world's first airline, which will use Boeing 777-2000LR for non-stop commercial flights. The aircraft can carry more passengers and more revenue cargo than any other jetliner. The corporation plans to procure 29 more new aircraft, including two more Boeing 777-2000LR within next five years, the chairman said. Currently, the corporation possesses a fleet of 40 aircraft. With the procurement of new aircraft, Mr Kirmani said, the average fleet age of the PIA would by 9 years as against the current average age of 21 years.

He said the Boeing 777-2000LR worldliner had seat-mile costs that is 15 to 18 per cent lower than the competitors. The aircraft also uses advanced technology that lowers maintenance costs and makes maintenance more efficient, besides having considerably 21 to 22 per cent lower fuel burn as compared to the competitors.

The chairman said the recent increase in oil prices had affected the aviation industry worldwide as some 300 airlines associated with IATA, were conceding an annual loss of $7.5 billion. online

Congrats to PIA on becoming the first to order, and the first to put the world's longest range jetliner into commercial service.

woo hooo NON-STOP from TORONTO!!!!!!