Pakistan International Airlines leases seven A320s from Kuwait's Aviation Lease and Finance Co
14-Aug-2007 |
Airline Code [PIA]
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(CAPA) Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced (10-Aug-07) plans to lease seven new A320-200s from Kuwait's Aviation Lease and Finance Co (ALAFCO), to replace B737-300 equipment. Deliveries are expected to commence in 2009.
Zaffar Ahmad Khan, PIA Chairman, stated, “the new A320 aircraft will provide maximum operational flexibility on short and medium haul routes with lower operating costs, optimised cabin layouts and better baggage/cargo handling.. These aircraft with a seating capacity of 146 will operate mainly on domestic routes with limited operation on regional routes. With the induction of these seven new aircraft, the average age of PIA fleet will be reduced from the current 13 years to around ten years”.
PIA also plans to replace A310 and B747 equipment to reduce its average fleet age even further. The EU ban on PIA’s aircraft has recently eased after it was implemented in Mar-07, allowing the carrier to operate 11 of its 20 long-haul aircraft. Khan has stated he is hopeful that the EU will remove the remaining restrictions by Oct-07, following improvements to safety procedures.
The carrier is currently in financial trouble, losing approximately USD660,000 per day, and reported a USD65.1 million net loss in the three months ended 31-Mar-07. Date posted: 14-Aug-07. |
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Pakistan International Airlines leases seven A320s from Kuwait's Aviation Lease and Finance Co 
