Pakistan International Airlines

Popular known in the airline circles as PIA, Pakistan International Airlines which is the national carrier of Pakistan and the national airline operating passenger and cargo services around the world has its main hubs at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, the Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore and the Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad; all in Pakistan. It is a low-cost airline which provides no-frills in the air and occasional flight delays which accounts for the dirt cheap airfare the airline offers passengers almost all the time. PIA may be the perfect solution for economy class travelers who are always out for very cheap air tickets to all their destinations.

Pakistan International Airlines has enjoyed a loyal following among its customers from the time the airline industry’s boom. Although there have been a few complaints against the company especially with some needless delays during peak periods of air travel, the same surveys among passengers reveal that even though it may not be the number one in terms of customer satisfaction and comfort, but there are certainly some benefits for those who do not mind getting to their destinations for the cheapest airfare that can be offered anywhere. Most customers whose opinions were sought commended the airlines for their cheap flight tickets which take the middle and low income classes into consideration. However, they observed that certain flight services provided by PIA can be better if re-organized.

The airline is generally known for its poor punctuality approach to flight departures and less variety of meals on board its flights. Probably, that informs the reason for the cheap airfare offers to air travelers. Generally, Pakistan International Airlines has been performing above expectations in serving its passengers, as well as in putting the students into consideration too. Student traveling on Pakistan International Airlines enjoy a lovely discount of ten percent to most destinations of their choice. Also, passengers traveling from America or Canada on Pakistan International Airline will enjoy five percent discount on airfares when passengers book their flight some thirty days in advance of the travel date or a seven and half percent discount when passengers book their flights some forty five days in advance of departure date. Air travel has never been easier and cheaper with Pakistan International Airline, especially with its convenient e-Ticketing system used to plan and book air travels to popular worldwide destinations.

For sports lovers cum air travel passengers, Pakistan International Airlines does not serve its passengers only on board; the airline also promotes sports for interested passengers to ensure that customers who are sport buffs also enjoy watching sporting activities in the skies. Pakistan International Airlines supports a first-class cricket team that plays in the ABN AMRO Patron's Trophy. PIA as a Corporation is also sponsoring the A1 Team Pakistan for the A1 Grand Prix, recently being introduced in over 25 nations around the world. The sport is very similar to the Formula One races and also popular among Pakistan’s sports fans. This is certainly good news for ‘sports passengers.’

Pakistan International Airlines’ corporate image and identity cannot be overlooked. In December 2003, Pakistan International Airlines introduced a totally different logo. The airline’s logo was modified with the tail being painted beige and a flowing Pakistan flag placed on it, the Pakistan International Airlines’ acronym was subsequently enlarged and moved onto the fuselage. Pakistan International Airlines is like the national flag of a young and developing nation which has had an eventful history to date; a worthy ambassador for Pakistan and its people. Its services and personnel have helped to make the country more widely known and her people better understood in the outside world. It has been representing very well since the period of Pakistan’s independence when the national carrier was established till date.

Good points scored by Pakistan International Airlines are the in-flight entertainment systems which makes provision for movies and music to the delight of most passengers. There are English, Pakistani and Indian movies for film buffs and those who may want to get a taste of exotic culture through media. Movies are blockbusters and thrillers while music clips are mostly in Pakistani and Indian languages. Also worthy of mention is the fact that most seats have screens embedded in their headrests for the passengers behind to watch. The major advantage of PIA is its inclination towards the majority of the population who wish to fly as a must or for vacations and leisure, which is made possible through the availability of very cheap airfares and discounts on its airline’s tickets for travel to most destinations.