CHICAGO: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced resuming its Chicago flight to Pakistan from 5 June and this has created a mini-stir among airline business circles.
“We are back to our community in Midwest and we hope to do one better,” says a beaming Anila Omair, Manager Chicago in an exclusive interview.
Giving details about new operations, Anila said PIA will resume bi-weekly flights operating Boeing 772 every Wednesday and Saturday. Wednesday flight leaves O’Hare airport at 7:45 pm for Islamabad and Karachi. The flight lands at Islamabad at 11:55 pm and continues for Karachi arriving at Karachi at 3.20am.
The return flight leaves Karachi at 1225am on Wednesday and connects Lahore en-route to Chicago via Barcelona. Saturday flights leaves O’Hare airport at 7.45pm and arrives Karachi via Barcelona and Lahore. In return, Saturday flight will be Karachi to Chicago via Barcelona.
New Boeing 772/777 aircraft offers comfortable legroom and choice of entertainment with each seat. “And of course, travelers get the Pakistani delicious cuisine on board,” said Anila. She also pointed out that her sales team is working with domestic airline partners for discounted domestic fares from interior US cities. Unlike other airlines’ long haul flights, PIA flight duration will be very comfortable for travelers with a break in journey at Barcelona after eight hours of flying time. This makes flying comfortable for small children and elderly people as long duration flights are tedious.
Women with small kids mostly prefer traveling PIA. The local sales office is also emphasizing on promoting Barcelona destination. It will price lowest $750 roundtrip compared to most Europe fares above $1100 or more. Barcelona also connects travelers to Madrid and Paris via Eurail. PIA business class offers the comfort of new Boeing 777 at most affordable fares compared to other airlines with same type of aircraft at much higher fares. “And to respect our elderly travelers, we have senior citizen discount throughout the year,” Anila added.
A.Q. Siddiqui
India Post News Service
