Islamabad: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has signed a strategic cargo partnership with Air France KLM significantly expanding its global freight network as the national carrier undergoes major institutional reforms.
The agreement effective January 15 allows PIA Cargo to access the Air France KLM worldwide network enabling exporters to ship consignments across Europe and the United States using a single air waybill for both airlines. PIA will connect to the network via regional hubs in Dubai Riyadh and Dammam, opening new routes to Amsterdam Paris Brussels Frankfurt Stuttgart Düsseldorf as well as New York Atlanta and Los Angeles.
French Ambassador Nicolas Galey welcomed the development highlighting that the recent resumption of direct flights between Islamabad and Paris reflects stronger bilateral ties.He said the cargo pact provides seamless access to 21 European destinations, boosting trade and cultural exchange.
The agreement coincides with PIA’s privatization process. In late January Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif oversaw the signing of transaction documents with the Arif Habib Consortium which acquired a 75 percent stake in the airline.The prime minister described the deal as a milestone in Pakistan’s privatization agenda emphasizing that new ownership will enhance service quality and restore the airline’s global standing.
The expanded cargo network and renewed European connections signal PIA’s commitment to strengthening trade and travel links with key international markets.
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