ISLAMABAD: Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Osama Sarwar told the National Assembly on Friday that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) would induct four aircraft into its fleet.
Responding to a Calling Attention Notice regarding the exclusion of Karachi from the operational routes of the recently leased PIA Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for flights between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, he said PIA had been privatised and was now operating under an independent board of directors.
He emphasised that the airline could not be directed to operate on specific routes.
However, he assured the House that PIA would commence flights from Karachi to the United Kingdom in January next year.
Osama Sarwar also said PIA had resumed flights to the UK, crediting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the development.
He said the airline was acquiring four aircraft to expand its fleet and resume operations on additional routes.
The first aircraft would resume operations on November 1, while the second would be received on November 15, after which its route would be finalised.
He added that two more aircraft would join the PIA fleet in January and resume operations from Karachi.