Islamabad: In an exciting development, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has launched connecting flights between Pakistan and 16 captivating cities in China, all routed through Beijing. PIA’s Country Manager, Bilal Afzal, announced this significant partnership with Air China on Sunday.
These Chinese cities in the network include Guangzhou, Wuhan, Urumqi, Shenzhen, Xian, Shenyang, Shanghai, Ningbo, Nanjing, Harbin, Hangzhou, Hohhot, Dunhuang, Chengdu, Changchun, and Chongqing, as revealed during an interview with the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) at the China International Fair for Trade in Service (CIFTIS) in Beijing.
PIA has established a prominent presence at the Pakistan Pavilion within CIFTIS, where it proudly showcases its achievements, particularly highlighting the crucial role played by the national flag carrier in fostering stronger people-to-people ties between Pakistan and China.
Bilal Afzal also mentioned that travelers originating from any of the 16 cities in China can conveniently reach Islamabad via this new offering.
Currently, PIA operates one weekly flight on the Islamabad-Beijing-Islamabad route, available every Sunday. However, the airline is actively exploring plans to introduce a new direct flight route connecting the two nations.
Addressing concerns about affordability, Afzal stated that PIA extends a generous 20 percent discount to students, accompanied by complimentary baggage allowances of 80 kgs for economy class and 100 kgs for executive economy, applicable on flights connecting Pakistan and China. He added that further discounts are available for passengers who purchase their tickets online.
In addition to passenger discounts, PIA has also introduced special rates for cargo shipments between China and Pakistan, benefitting businesses and traders involved in cross-border trade.
The Pakistani community, particularly businessmen and students residing in China, has expressed enthusiasm over these discounts and enhanced travel options.
Ali Imran, an educator from Pakistan based in Hangzhou, praised the newly introduced connected flights, emphasizing their significant convenience for travelers moving between the two friendly nations. He noted that the fare discounts and cargo services would greatly facilitate Pakistani professionals and students in maintaining closer ties with their families.
Furthermore, passengers can also take advantage of increased baggage allowances during their journeys between Pakistan and China.
