'No response to Turkish open sky policy'
KARACHI (May 05 2007): Turkish government's offer of open sky policy to Pakistan, whereby the national airlines of the two countries would be free to operate any number of flights between the two countries, has not been responded to by Pakistan.

This information was given by the representative of Turkish Airlines during the meeting of the Ambassador of Turkey with the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FPCCI) President and members, held at Federation House here recently.

Turkish Airline was ready to operate daily flights from Istanbul to Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, which will help the businessmen of the two countries to meet frequently, and in turn would promote trade and economic cooperation between them.

Another impediment in the promotion of trade between Pakistan and Turkey was the reluctance of Pakistan's commercial banks to accept guarantees given by Turkish banks and insisted on their provision through international banks, said Turkey-Pakistan Business Council Co- Chairman Ali Irvali, who also attended the meeting.-PR

http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=5601...m=&supDate=

Aoa


Why hasn't GoP responded to it yet? Any idea?


w/salaam

i think i know why they haven't responded as yet....an open sky policy would benefit Turkish Airlines more than it probably would PIA which uses the UK as a hub and which probabgly doesn't wnat to give too much to the Turks. The govt should allow it no matter how badly it hurts PIA, if it makes or rather forces PIA to be competitive in order to survive then so be it.....obviously this is just speculation.

We dont know why the GoP has not responded. The reason I posted it on the forum is because of PIA's current problems with the EU and maybe get opinions on if it could be viable and if it could actually help Pakistan's economy..or on the other hand would Pakistan's own airline industry be dominated by Turkish Airlines.

It actually benefits Turkish Airlines (the company) more then PIA, you see they already fly to Pakistan from America, and provide better service and price then PIA. I have flown twice and it was ok, better then PIA.

yes it does hurt PIA more which is exactly why it should be done after privitization for PIA. it'll help the PIA management get its act together...

I agree Pakistan should respond and say yes to the Turkish offer. Faz101 i agree with you saying yes will help the PIA get its act together. PIA should do better with competition and hopefully it will become more competent and professional.

This is also important, why should we pay commisions to the banks in new york for pak-turk joint efforts ? They make money without moving a finger from others' efforts.

Actually I think its just bureacracy that's taking a usual time. Because as far as I remember PIA and Turkish Airline has a code sharing which actually benefits both the airlines. Also the PIA fiasco of planes not being able to fly to Europe may be hindering the issue. As the PIA may be wanting to invrease the planes that are Europe worthy before they embark on a free sky journey.