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Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), officially known as Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL), is the national flag carrier of Pakistan, renowned for its historical significance and role in connecting Pakistan to the world. Below is a comprehensive overview of PIA, covering its history, operations, fleet, services, challenges, and recent developments.
PIA traces its roots to Orient Airways, founded on October 29, 1946, by Mirza Ahmad Ispahani and Adamjee Haji Dawood in Calcutta, British India. Initially a private venture, Orient Airways relocated to Karachi following Pakistan's independence in August 1947. It played a critical role in the early days of the new nation, operating relief flights and servicing air routes between East and West Pakistan. By 1949, Orient Airways expanded its fleet with Convair CV-240s, becoming the first Asian airline to operate this aircraft type. However, competition from foreign carriers like BOAC and financial struggles led to government intervention.
In 1952, the Pakistani government subsidized Orient Airways by purchasing three Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellations for a new state-backed airline. On October 1, 1953, Orient Airways merged with this entity to form the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (PIAC). Operations officially commenced under the PIA banner on June 7, 1954, with nonstop flights between Karachi and Dhaka. The airline’s first international service began on February 1, 1955, connecting Karachi to London via Cairo and Rome, using the Lockheed Super Constellations.
PIA achieved several milestones in its early years. In 1960, under the leadership of Air Commodore Nur Khan, PIA introduced its first Boeing 707 jet service on the Karachi-London-Dhaka route, making it the second Asian airline to operate jet aircraft. This period, often referred to as the "Golden Age of PIA," saw the airline gain international acclaim for its service quality and operational efficiency. In 1964, PIA became the first non-Communist airline to operate flights to China, a significant achievement in global aviation. The airline also played a pivotal role in assisting the establishment of Emirates in 1985.
As of 2025, PIA is Pakistan’s largest airline, operating a fleet of 32 aircraft, including Boeing 777s, Airbus A320s, and ATR 42/72 models. The airline serves approximately 50 flights daily, covering 20 domestic destinations and 27 international destinations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Its primary hub is Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, with secondary hubs at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore and Islamabad International Airport. Additional operational bases include Peshawar, Faisalabad, Multan, and Quetta, facilitating connectivity to metropolitan cities and international routes.
PIA’s route network includes popular destinations such as Riyadh, Kuala Lumpur, Istanbul, and domestic routes like Islamabad to Karachi. The airline operates codeshare agreements with several global carriers, enhancing its reach and ensuring seamless transitions for passengers. In addition to passenger services, PIA provides cargo and postal services, with its cargo division, PIA Cargo, commencing operations in 1974. The airline pioneered the export of Pakistani fruits and vegetables to international markets and introduced express delivery services in the 1970s, laying the foundation for Pakistan’s courier industry.