BEIJING: The Chinese government has awarded Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) two new operating licences, for Guangzhou and Xian, in addition to Beijing. Passenger flights to and from these stations can now be scheduled by the national flag airline.
Previously, PIA only had an operating licence for Beijing, but the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) granted the airline two more operating licences, allowing it to conduct flight operations between Pakistan and the two Chinese cities, according to PIA Country Manager Qadir Bux Sangi on Sunday.
According to the CAAC’s current standard operating procedure, multinational carriers can operate one weekly flight to China. According to the Xian government’s CDC clearance, PIA is running the PK854-855 ISB-XIY-PEK-ISB route via Xian’s initial entrance point for Beijing.
“Following the adjustment in CAAC’s existing standard operating procedure, we have the option of starting our planned flights for Guangzhou and Xian as well,” he said.
In response to a query, he stated that the national flag carrier has also applied for an operating licence for the Chengdu station, which is being considered, and that PIA hopes to receive clearance next month.
According to the CAAC’s current standard operating procedure, multinational carriers can operate one weekly flight to China. According to the Xian government’s CDC clearance, PIA is running the PK854-855 ISB-XIY-PEK-ISB route via Xian’s initial entrance point for Beijing.
“Following the adjustment in CAAC’s existing standard operating procedure, we have the option of starting our planned flights for Guangzhou and Xian as well,” he said.
In response to a query, he stated that the national flag carrier has also applied for an operating licence for the Chengdu station, which is being considered, and that PIA hopes to receive clearance next month.
“We are awaiting formal authorisation to resume flights so that we can assist travellers from both nations,” he added.
