LAHORE:
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) decided to scrap their only jumbo jet and acquire two new planes on a wet lease, for the upcoming Hajj operation.
In the last Hajj operation, the airline had reportedly used the jumbo jet. This time around, however, it has been decided that PIA would acquire two Boeing 767 from Maldives on a wet lease.
Some officials have raised an objection to the management’s decision to acquire planes on lease, saying there is no justification in the presence of seven Boeing in PIA already.
Under the wet lease, an airline provides aircraft, pilots and cabin crew, along with maintenance and insurance facilities, while under the dry lease only aircraft are provided.
PIA spokesman Aamir Memon stated,“We have decided not to use the only Jumbo (503-seater) in our fleet and in its place two Boeing (300-seat each) will cater to the need of the national flag carrier during the Haj operation.”