Recently, several local media reports claimed that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) hopes to start direct flights to Australia in late March this year. If launched they will be carrier’s first services to Oceania.
Media reports suggest that PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez said the airline had approached the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Australia for permission to operate twice-weekly flights to Sydney Kingsford Smith from Karachi and Lahore in the last week of March or early April 2022, using B777s. Flights from Islamabad could be added later.
However, a CASA spokesperson said the regulator had not yet received an application from PIA for permission to commence flights to Australia but confirmed that PIA is codesharing with Etihad Airways on its flights to Australia.
CASA Confirms PIA Has Not Applied To Fly To Australia
Baaghi TV learnt through reliable sources that all this information is going viral in Australia and getting a lot of negative publicity, eventually damaging PIA’s brand name. It is time for the national flag carrier to issue a press release/ statement regarding the matter.
It is to be noted that Australian route is no doubt at the top most priority for PIA these days. Moreover, an insider told Baaghi TV that the PIA has completed feasibility of the route and management has approved to proceed for all necessary approvals/ arrangements to make it happen.
Furthermore, the national flag carrier is in contact with CASA and preparing required documents which will be submitted within the next few days. At the same time, Pakistan International Airlines is working to get all necessary legal approvals/ logistic arrangements.
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