Pakistan International Airlines Launches Bi-weekly Flights to Al Ain International Airport

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Al Ain International Airport (AAN), owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Airports, received Pakistan International Airlines’ inaugural flight from Peshawar International Airport on Friday 22 February at 10:35 local time (LT). Pakistan International Airlines commenced bi-weekly flights on Fridays and Sundays connecting Al Ain with Peshawar, Pakistan.

Al Ain International Airport, Abu Dhabi Airports’ second largest airport, welcomed the first flight from Peshawar with an honoury guard salute, in celebration of the new route to Pakistan from Al Ain, a major city in the UAE.

Maarten De Groof, Chief Commercial Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Pakistan has always been one of our largest and most significant areas of operations, and we are pleased to welcome these new bi-weekly flights carrying passengers to and from Al Ain and Peshawar.”

“This new addition further expands the network of Al Ain International Airport, providing our passengers with enhanced services and connectivity. We look forward to continuing to build new partnerships to meet the market’s growing demand,” added De Groof.

Pakistan International Airlines will operate the route using its Airbus 320-200 aircraft, which includes 8 Premium Economy seats and 150 Economy Class seats in its current configuration. On Fridays and Sundays, flights are scheduled to depart from Peshawar International Airport at 08:10 LT, arriving at Al Ain International Airport at 10:10 LT. Returning flights to Peshawar are scheduled to depart from Al Ain International Airport at 11:10 LT and arrive at Peshawar International Airport at 15:10 LT.

Speaking on the occasion, PIA's President & Chief Executive Officer Air Marshal Arshad Malik said: “PIA is in process of transformation and is striving to provide best in class services to its patron customers. The service elements also include providing convenient connectivity to its passengers and direct flights to cities in Gulf and KSA to all major destinations in Pakistan. Al-Ain is a strong market and there was a persistent demand by the local Pakistani diaspora to start direct flights between Al-Ain and Peshawar.”

“PIA is expanding its network and very soon new exciting destinations and additional frequencies on existing routes would be introduced further consolidating our network,” added Malik.

About Abu Dhabi Airports

Abu Dhabi Airports is a public joint-stock company wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government. It was created on 4 March 2006, to spearhead the development of the Emirate's aviation infrastructure. In September 2006, Abu Dhabi Airports assumed responsibility for the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International Airports. In 2008, Abu Dhabi Airports added Al Bateen Executive Airport (an exclusive business aviation airport), as well as Sir Bani Yas and Delma Island Airports to its portfolio. These airports are geared to serve the various segments of air travelers, the aviation marketplace, and will help contribute to Abu Dhabi’s development as a destination for both business and leisure tourism.

Currently under way is the multi-billion dollar re-development and expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport designed to increase the overall capacity of the airport.

About Pakistan International Airlines

Pakistan International Airlines, the national flag carrier of Pakistan is among the pioneer airlines of the world, operating since 1955 and to the gulf region since 1960s, holding many firsts and world records to its names. PIA as part of its transformation is undergoing expansion of its vast network operating direct flights from a number of destinations within Pakistan to the world. Only in last couple of months PIA has started many new flights on Europe, Gulf, KSA and Far Eastern sectors. Connecting the historic city of Peshawar (the land of the craftsmen) to the Oasis and Retreat of Al-Ain to serve a vast Pakistani expatriate population based here is part of the initiatives undertaken by PIA to expand its wings.