The flight operations for Baku have been started by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) with two flights from Karachi and Lahore that carried 340 travelers for Azerbaijan’s capital, also it has launched the special cargo-chartered flights from Islamabad to the Chinese city of Kashgar on Wednesday.
The airline had started the flights for Azerbaijan under Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision of boosting tourism and strengthening friendly relationships with the Central Asian Republic (CAR).
For the celebration of the beginning of flight operations, cakes were cut, and gifts and flowers were distributed among the travelers at Karachi and Lahore airports. Azerbaijani minister of transport, airport president, heads of civil aviation, and Pakistan’s ambassador greeted the passengers of the maiden flight at Baku airport.
Read more: PIA planning two weekly flights between Karachi, Lahore and Sydney
Moreover, an applaudable ceremony was conducted at the airport and PIA was honored by the local authorities. While addressing the occasion, PIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Air Marshal Arshad Malik stated that Baku was a significant tourist destination and the PIA had initiated these flights to facilitate the tourists.
Talking about the relationships of the two allies, Pakistan’s Ambassador Bilal Hayee stated that Pakistan and Azerbaijan were connected by mutual love and brotherhood and with the launch of direct flights the bilateral ties would further be strengthened.
Additionally, with the purpose to facilitate business activities amid Pakistan and China, the national flag carrier has started special cargo chartered flights from Islamabad to Kashgar.
As per a spokesperson of the airline, these flights will help and support the exporters to ship their products and ultimately will generate additional income for the state airline.
After the commencement of operations on Wednesday, PIA has become the first Pakistani airline to operate direct flights to Kashgar.
The spokesperson added that the national airline is anticipated to have 13 cargo flights by the end of this month. It is to be mentioned here that Chinese authorities recently allowed PIA to operate flights to Shenzhen, Kunming, and Kashgar.
