In 2004, PIA made aviation history again as the launch customer of the Boeing 777-200LR, a long-range wide-body aircraft designed for ultra-long-haul flights. The following year, in 2005, PIA operated the world’s first longest non-stop commercial flight at that time, flying from Hong Kong to London Heathrow, covering approximately 8,500 miles (13,700 kilometres) non-stop.
In addition to these achievements, PIA was among the first airlines in the region to introduce in-flight entertainment systems, offering passengers a more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience long before such amenities became standard in South Asia.
However, the airline’s journey has not been without challenges. Financial mismanagement, operational inefficiencies, and safety concerns have plagued PIA in recent decades.
The most significant setbacks came in 2020 when PIA faced bans from the European Union, the UK, and the US due to safety concerns and a pilot licensing scandal. These bans severely restricted its international operations.
Currently, PIA operates a diverse fleet of 32 aircraft, including Airbus A320s and Boeing 777 variants, serving hubs in Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore. Its routes include major regional cities such as Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, and Istanbul, with a long-haul flight to Toronto.
The Pakistani government has renewed efforts to privatise PIA as part of broader reforms aimed at improving efficiency and reducing the airline’s financial burden. Recently, the privatisation process cleared four qualified bidders who passed the initial vetting phase, signalling potential progress toward the airline’s long-awaited restructuring and modernisation.
Despite uncertainty, PIA’s historical achievements continue to inspire hope for its future revival.
Here are top 10 PIA records and services
-
First Asian Airline to operate jet aircraft (1960): Introduced the Boeing 707, pioneering jet technology in Asia.
-
World Speed Record for Commercial Airliners (1962): Boeing 720 flew non-stop from London to Karachi in 6 hours, 43 minutes, and 51 seconds at an average speed of 582.98mph, a record that remains unbeaten.
-
First Non-Communist Airline to Fly to China (1964): Opened a crucial route amid geopolitical tensions.
-
Global Route Expansion: Operated flights to over 100 destinations across Europe, North America, Middle East, Asia, and Africa at its peak.
-
Help set up Emirates Airline (1985): Provided vital support and expertise to establish Emirates.
-
Launch Customer of Boeing 777-200LR (2004) and record-setting longest flight (2005): Nonstop commercial flight from Hong Kong to London, covering approximately 8,500 miles without a stop.
-
Cultural Ambassador: Promoted Pakistani culture globally through its unique branding, cuisine, and hospitality.
-
PIA Training Academy: Developed aviation professionals, enhancing regional aviation standards.
-
Humanitarian Efforts: Played a key role in evacuations and disaster relief missions during wars and natural calamities.
-
Early Introduction of In-Flight Entertainment: Among the first airlines in South Asia to offer in-flight entertainment, enhancing passenger comfort and setting new standards in service.
Ashfaq has been storming the UAE media scene for over 27 years. As Senior Assistant Editor, his insights, analysis and deep understanding of regional dynamics have helped make sense of the unfolding news.
He’s the go-to guy for deep dives into the South Asian diaspora, blending heart, and hardcore reporting into his pieces. Whether he’s unpacking Pakistani community affairs, chasing down leads on international political whirlwinds, or investigative reports on the scourge of terrorism and regional drama — Ashfaq doesn’t miss a beat.
He’s earned kudos for his relentless hustle and sharp storytelling. Dependable, dynamic, and unstoppable, Ashfaq does not just report the news, he shapes it.
