KARACHI (January 07 2010): Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has been awarded a shield by Civil Aviation Authority, Saudi Arabia in recognition of distinguished Passenger Services compared to other airlines conducting Hajj operations at Jeddah Airport on completion of the airline’s successful post Hajj operations.
The recognition was awarded for swift check - in of passengers, transfers of passengers’ luggage as well as efficient passenger handling at Jeddah Airport by PIA’s passenger handling officers and staff.
PIA’s post Hajj operation entailed a total of 283 Hajj flights from the holy land to Pakistan with over 125,000 Hajjis through Hajj flights and regular scheduled flights. This year the airline’s entire Hajj operation was completed with its own fleet without leasing any aircraft. PIA also added a new destination, Sialkot for operating Hajj flights.
Entire Hajj operation 2009 was monitored by Managing Director PIA, Captain Mohammad Aijaz Haroon. Besides, General Manager Passenger Handling Services, Aijaz Mazhar, PIA Country Manager, Khurram Mushtaq, Deputy Manager Passenger Handling Services, Hasan Shaheed and Station Manager Lahore, Arshad Chaudhry were actively involved round the clock at Jeddah Airport during month long Hajj operation for smooth functioning of Hajj flights.
The entire PIA team deputed at Jeddah Airport provided full support, guidance and assistance to the Pakistani Hajjis. Managing Director PIA, Captain Mohammad Aijaz Haroon has appreciated the efforts of allied departments of the airline for satisfactorily completing post Hajj operation.-PR
Business Recorder [Pakistan’s First Financial Daily]
Very good. :k:
PIA has the potential to become a gem of Asia just like other great Airlines which have transformed into a Worldclass luxury, but it needs to do more and expand outward rather than shrink inwards. Namely, the frequent reduction/suspension of route stops (Houston, Chicago, etc.)
There is a huge market to be captured in USA which PIA is not tapping into and is losing its ground to M.E. carriers like Etihad (started Chicago September 09), and Emirates (California).
Anyhow, Good luck to PIA. And i hope they continue to achieve such awards from other bodies worldwide.