What PIA is?
The father of the nation was very much sure about his capabilities
to mark out Pakistan on the map of the globe so that he asked Mr. M.A Ispahani to
launch out a new airline for the future emerging country Pakistan. In 1946 M.A
Ispahani introduced Orient Airways which was later merged into Pakistan
International Airline in 1955. It became a national airline and scheduled its
first flight to the capital city of London through Cairo and Rome. The aim is
to serve and facilitate the nation in the best possible ways. It was the first national
and international airline of Pakistan that fly around the world and earned trust
for its international service. PIA invested much of its earnings in the
purchase of aircraft and spare parts as the fleet expansion was a grave
necessity for the airline.
Its success with marked records:
The first record recorded by PIA was its first fastest
flight between London and Karachi in 1962 flying the representatives of FAI
(Federation Aeronautique International). PIA take off the flight within 6
hours, 43 minutes, 51 seconds and that is still a record.
The second milestone of PIA was its flight to the People’s
Republic of China on the 29th of April 1964 and became the first
airline from a non-communist country to fly into a communist country. It has
always flown for the progress of Pakistan.
PIA became a household name in Pakistan in the mid-sixties. And
it always flies high on the crest of success. It became the carrier of the transfer
of commodities during the war of 1965.
In 1966, a system of feeder services linking eight new
points in West Pakistan was introduced. By this time, the airline’s Viscounts
were proving inadequate owing to traffic growth and had to be replaced by
Tridents. The airline continued up the growth curve, receiving two Fokker
F-27s, two Boeing 707s, and one Trident in the following year.
The Sophisticated PIA
PIA is to be labeled first for the introduction of a new
air-hostesses uniform designed by the renowned French designer Pierre Cardin. This
was an instant hit both at home and abroad and imprinted PIA’s name on the
international market.
Safety Management System at PIA
PIA is the first certified airline on Safety Management
System (SMS) by Civil Aviation Authority CAA – Pakistan. CAA Air Navigation
Order (ANO 91.0032 issued in September 2008) binds all airlines operating in
Pakistan to have SMS. Well before the issuance of this ANO, PIA initiated SMS
awareness and implementation in July 2008. PIA was awarded initial
certification on SMS on 27th February 2009 by CAA.
Uprising with
high-tech
In 1967 PIA installed Pakistan’s first computer and also
completed its first Engine Overhaul Shop located near the Head Office building.
It also added additional destinations, new equipment, and cutting-edge
technology to support its ever-expanding operations. In 1970 PIA initiated its Flight
Kitchen in Karachi which is serving many other airlines as well.
It has been sponsoring different national games like
Cricket, Hockey, Squash, Football, Chess, Bridge, Polo, and Table-Tennis teams.
It also expands on Haj and Umrah and facilitates people in major.
Then and Now
PIA has not just served Pakistani people but all those who travel
to the world. It has provided a safe and secure flight without any discrimination.
Inside Pakistan, it has extended its feathers to the farthest point of G.B and
Chitral and serves people unconditionally.
Then suddenly it has been by the European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) to travel to the European Countries. Because one the minister
said about the pilot that they are without a license. But now when no one is
ready to rescue the people in Afghanistan then PIA is the only airline that is
in the first line to serve people. And amazingly it is pulling out the armies
and people of the U.S that have banned its flight. Yet PIA is on the air to
rescue them and to accommodate them.
There should be terms and conditions for the flight of all foreigners
from Afghanistan. And the government of Pakistan needs to raise the question of
its’ banning. And also it should have demanded the closure of the ban and allow
PIA to make its flight to the countries along with their passengers. It can
help out PIA to stand again as the first one.
