PIA – PPI News Agency

January 10, 2023

PIA and Sabre Ink Renewal Agreements

Karachi, January 10, 2023 (PPI-OT):Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), a leading software and technology provider that powers the global travel industry, recently announced the extension of two agreements with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

The national carrier of Pakistan has renewed its multi-year content distribution agreement with Sabre and the two companies have also agreed to continue their strategic joint venture partnership in the Pakistani market. The carrier and Sabre have had a successful GDS joint venture in Pakistan since 2004.

The extension of the content distribution agreement means that PIA will continue to have full access to Sabre’s extensive global seller network. PIA will also continue to work with Sabre in a joint venture which allows the airline to better market and sell its content using Sabre’s advanced technological solutions, including the intuitive ‘Sabre Red 360’ point of sale, to Travel Agents across Pakistan.

“We are delighted to have reaffirmed and strengthened our relationship with Sabre with these two renewals so that, together, we can move forward with our plans to not only grow PIA’s footprint and revenue, but also to facilitate growth in the wider Pakistan travel ecosystem,” said Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Amir Hayat, Chief Executive Officer, Pakistan International Airlines.

PIA services a vast network of locations across Pakistan and throughout Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, and has ambitious plans to expand its network further.

“We greatly value our partnership with PIA, and we’re pleased and proud to have cemented this important relationship with these multi-year renewals. As the travel industry recovery continues apace, it’s vital that the travel agency community in Pakistan can access Sabre’s advanced global suite of solutions and services,” said Brett Thorstad, Vice President, Sabre Travel Solutions, Agency Sales, and Asia Pacific. “We are excited about the growth trajectory of the Pakistan market and the future prospects for Sabre, PIA and this joint venture.

“Airlines are placing more emphasis than ever on how they create the right fares and offers,” said Rakesh Narayanan, Vice President, Regional General Manager, Asia Pacific, Travel Solutions, and Airline Sales. “But what is also essential is that airlines have the ability to get those offers in front of the right travel sellers and passengers at the right time.

The extension of our Global Distribution System (GDS) agreement with PIA means the airline will benefit from Sabre’s extensive and effective global distribution network, while Sabre’s network of travel sellers will continue to have access to a full range of PIA’s domestic and international content.”

For more information, contact:
General Manager
Public Affairs
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
PIA Head Office Airport
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-99043823
Fax: +92-21-34572225, +92-21-34570419
Cell: +92-322-7420707
Website: www.piac.com.pk

The post PIA and Sabre Ink Renewal Agreements appeared first on Business News Pakistan.

August 28, 2022

PIA announces it will uplift all the humanitarian relief goods on free of cost basis in coordination with National Disaster Management Authority

Karachi, August 28, 2022 (PPI-OT):In order to plays its part in the national level relief efforts undertaken for the flood affectees in Sindh and Balochistan, PIA announced that it will uplift all the humanitarian relief goods on free of cost basis in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

CEO PIA has passed on relevant instructions to its Cargo Division’s team for immediate compliance and has nominated focal persons at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad airport’s Cargo Offices for the coordination and uplift of relief goods. PIA spokesperson said that PIA has finalized all arrangements for Uplift of relief goods. Initially, PIA will only accept Relief goods from NDMA representatives and will deliver the relief goods to the designated NDMA officials only.

PIA as the national flag carrier and organization always steps forward in the time of need and will continue to provide all support within its reach for the relief efforts and the relief uplift will continue till 9th September 2022.

December 21, 2020December 22, 2020

PIA: (PIA cancels its flights to Saudi Arabia)

ISLAMABAD:Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), consequent to Saudi government’s decision of a week-long suspension of all international flights, has announced to cancel its flights scheduled for today to different destinations in Saudi Arabia.

According to reports, talking to media in Karachi, PIA spokesman, Abdullah Khan said it is due to resurgence of COVID-19, that flights are being stopped and duration of this suspension may be further extended.

He said national flag carrier decided to cancel its flight Nos. PK-9739 and PK-9760 from Multan and Lahore to Jeddah. Moreover, those on routes Lahore-Jeddah-Lahore, Islamabad-Dammam-Islamabad, Lahore-Dammam-Lahore and Karachi-Medina-Karachi have also been cancelled.

He said flights from Lahore to Medina, Medina to Karachi, Madina to Multan and Karachi-Jeddah-Karachi are also suspended. He said these flights would remain cancelled till Saudi Arabia opens their airspace for international flights.

He advised passengers to contact concerned PIA officials via 786-786-111 for their queries and needed guidance besides getting registered their correct contact numbers, through PIA call centers, so that they may be kept updated about flight status.

December 12, 2020

PIA cancels ATR aircraft acquired on expensive Lease arrangement

Karachi, December 12, 2020 (PPI-OT): PIA cancels ATR aircraft acquired on expensive Lease arrangement. PIA spokesman said on Saturday.

PIA ATR-72 aircraft were high on operational cost and expected Market value resultantly making the flight operations non profitable. These aircraft were acquired on lease in the year 2015 and were higher than the present market price but due to the long-term agreement enforced, PIA was unable to return them earlier.

On the instructions of CEO PIA Air Marshal Arshad Malik, PIA management reviewed the lease agreement thoroughly and benefited from a clause in the lease agreement during Covid flights suspension.

The first ATR-72 aircraft returned having registration number APBKY departed from Karachi for Johannesburg, South Africa. while 03 other ATR72 will also be returned.

CEO PIA Air Marshal Arshad Malik while congratulating PIA team on successful negotiations which made possible the return of these aircraft said that it was not only a difficult decision at this crucial time but unavoidable as well.

CEO PIA said that the airline will keep operating other ATR aircraft which make the operations viable on short routes. Meanwhile under the supervision of Government of Pakistan, PIA will soon acquire new aircraft in its fleet which will improve the airline’s product and service considerably . New aircraft and improved service was expected since long from our passengers and will be soon fulfilled soon said CEO PIA Air Marshal Arshad Malik.

For more information, contact:
General Manager
Public Affairs
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
PIA Head Office Airport
Karachi
Tel: +92-21-99043823
Fax: +92-21-34572225, +92-21-34570419
Cell: +92-322-7420707
Website: www.piac.com.pk

December 12, 2020

PIA has always played it’s role as a National Flag carrier and committed to provide services to Pakistanis across the Globe

Karachi, December 12, 2020 (PPI-OT): PIA has always played it’s role as a National Flag carrier and committed to provide services to Pakistanis across the Globe. PIA has arranged transportation of Pakistanis on short notice from Bangkok. PIA spokesman said on Friday.

PIA operated flight PK 895 from Bangkok is bringing back nearly 50 Pakistanis who were deported from Bangkok either due to over stay or Visa expiration. The flight PK 895 is expected to arrive at Islamabad at 7:20 pm Friday evening. PIA spokesman concluded.

December 7, 2020

PIA announces Voluntary Separation Scheme

Karachi, December 07, 2020 (PPI-OT): PIA has announced the Voluntary separation scheme for employees of the airline, the option to apply will end on 22 December. PIA spokesman said on Monday.

The VSS package has been made for employees in two categories that is over 18 years of service and below 18 years of service. The package compensation includes accumulated leaves, gratuity, Provident fund, Lump sum Medical and Pension up to the age of 65 years. Different basic pay formula has been devised as per salary break-up and service years of employees including pilots and engineers.

Interested Employees will apply for VSS by submitting the VSS application form given separately along-with signed VSS package report to the concerned VSS coordinators assigned at facilitation desks established at each station. Last date of submission of application is 22nd December, 2020.

All regular employees under the age of 58 years as on 30 November 2020 are eligible to participate in the Voluntary Separation Scheme. Non eligible employees include Non-regular and or contractual employees, employees who have already submitted resignation, employees who have already opted for early retirements and Employees under any litigation against PIACL, until they undertake and withdraw the litigation latest by 31.12.2020.

The last working day of the VSS accepted employees shall be 31 December 2020 whereas the expected date of receiving pay out cheque shall be on or before 31 January 2021. PIA spokesman concluded.

December 5, 2020

PIA and Askari Bank launched one of the most promising and innovative Askari-PIA co brand credit card in a modest ceremony due to COVID SOPs

Karachi, December 05, 2020 (PPI-OT): PIA and Askari Bank launched one of the most promising and innovative Askari-PIA co brand credit card in a modest ceremony due to COVID SOPs.

PIA and Askari Bank, being two market leaders in their respective industries have both long been associated with Pakistan’s national identity and it was only natural that they join forces to create a unique value for their consumers. Hence the product has been designed keeping in mind safety and security in transaction combined with the ease in travel.

The unveiled card, in three tiers, Silver, Gold and Platinum have been loaded with some amazing features including complimentary PIA loyalty program membership, discounts on PIA tickets, local and international lounge access, accelerated mile earning compared with normal credit cards, priority check-in, generous startup points and much more.

Speaking on the occasion President Askari Bank, Abid Sattar said that “Askari Bank is one of the country’s leading credit card issuers and PIA is countries national airlines with a truly remarkable history and a promising future. We are truly honoured to be associated with our national carrier. This is the first all Pakistani Card where both co brand partners are locally based. We see great potential in this partnership and we hope that this will prove to be beneficial for our Pakistani consumers.”

While addressing the audience CEO PIA Air Marshal Arshad Malik, expressed his pleasure on the much awaited launch. He said that the card will be a true representation of a Pakistani Brand. This card is designed keeping in view this important but neglected segment. It is with great deliberation, research and the right intentions that we have developed a product that will reward its users greatly by paying them back for their loyalty and trust in our brand.