PIA signs accord with Boeing to buy eight B-777s
By our correspondent
KARACHI: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Wednesday signed a definitive agreement with the Boeing Company for purchase of eight new Boeing-777 aircraft.
The agreement was signed at the PIA Head Offices by the Managing-Director Ahmad Saeed and Boeing Director International Sales Miguel Santos.
The order includes three 777-200ER (extended-range), two 777-200LR (longer range) and three 777-300ER (extended range) aircraft for use on PIA’s long-haul routes. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in February 2004 and continue through 2008.
Speaking on the occasion, the PIA managing-director said it is the most important day in the history of PIA as with the induction of state-of-the-art aircraft, the national carrier will become a new airline, which would be able to compete with all other world-class airlines in technology and passenger comfort. “It is great leap forward for the PIA,” he said.
“Our decision to induct new high-tech aircraft of Boeing-777 family is based on a plan to handle our airline’s continued growth and improved profitability over the next 10 years,” he said and added: “The 777s are the right aeroplane for our future needs because it will reduce our operating cost and help our airline become more profitable.”
The 777 family provides the flexibility with different capacities and range capabilities to meet all of the PIA’s long-range needs with one engine selection, he said.
The Boeing Company’s long-standing relationship with PIA extends to nearly 40 years. The carrier currently has a mixed fleet of aircraft from Boeing that include 707s, 737s and 747s aircraft and airbus. “After a thorough and transparent evaluation of new, used and lease alternatives, we have reached a solution that builds on PIA’s turnaround and recovery strategy that meets PIA’s needs,” said Miguel Santos, Director International Sale, Boeing Commercial Aircraft. “We look forward to participating in the next stage of their success, not only with these new aircraft, but also with a continuing expansion of the close working together relationship between our two companies,” he added.
The Boeing-777s will be powered by GE90-94B and GE90-115B engines. General Electric Aircraft Engines is the sole producer of engines for the 777-200LR and 777-300ER aircraft. The PIA’s 777-200ER will seat 327 passengers in a two-class configuration. The 777 sets a new level of comfort and spaciousness for air travel because of its new Boeing Signature Interior.
The 777 are the only jetliner to receive the Industrial Design Excellence Award, which was received for its passenger cabin. More than 400 777s are currently in service with 30 airlines around the world.
PIA MD gets 5-year extension
By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has extended PIA Managing-Director Ch Ahmed Saeed’s services for the next five years. Saeed, who owns Services Group of Industries, had been appointed to the MD slot two years ago. He has been given extension in view of his outstanding performance in turning the national flag carrier into a profitable organisation. He has also served as president of the Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan. During his stint there, the bank earned record profit.