The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has formalised wet leasing of three A-330 aircraft from Sri-Lankan Airlines at a ceremony held in Colombo on Friday. PIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bernd Hildenbrand signed the contract with Sri-Lankan Airlines Chairman Ajith Dias and CEO Capt. Suren Ratwatte.
The contract has materialised after a series of negotiations between the two sides, said PIA Public Affairs General Manager Daniyal Gillani. The first of these aircraft will be delivered during the next week, while the rest will arrive in the next few months, he added.
These aircraft are in brand new condition and will be used for PIA’s Premier Service, giving passengers a better experience, and allowing the airline to start regaining its market share, PIA officials said.
PIA Premier is scheduled to be launched on August 14, initially only to London. There will be six weekly Premier Service flights to London, including three from Islamabad and three from Lahore. Later, with the addition of more aircraft, the service will be expanded to other destinations.
Chairman Azam Saigol appreciated the efforts of the PIA team led by Hildenbrand in finalising this contract.