70th Anniversary of Pakistan international Airlines. January 10, 2025

 

Pakistan International Airlines rose from humble beginnings. In June 1946, when Pakistan was still in the offing Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the Founder of the upcoming nation, instructed Mr. M.A. Ispahani, a leading industrialist, to set up a national airline, on a priority basis. With his singular vision and foresight, Quaid-e-Azam realized that with the formation of the two wings of Pakistan, separated by 1100 miles, a swift and efficient mode of transport was imperative. Four Douglas DC-3s were purchased from Tempo of Texas in February 1947 and Orient Airways operated it's first flight on 4th June 1947 on Calcutta-Akyab-Rangoon route. After Independence, Orient airways transferred its base to Pakistan and established a vital link between Karachi and Dacca, the two capitals of the two wings of Pakistan with a skeleton fleet of just two DC-3s, three crew members, and twelve mechanics. With an objective to provide better air services, the Government of Pakistan decided to form a state-owned airline "PIA" and orders for three L-1049C Super Constellations were placed with Lockheed. On 7th June 1954, ΡΙΑ operated first direct nonstop flight between Karachi and Dhaka. The government invited Orient airways to merge with PIA and the outcome of the merger was the birth of a new airline, through PIAC Ordinance on January 10, 1955.

In February 1955, first international services were inaugurated from Karachi to London via Cairo and Rome. By 1960, Vickers Viscount and Super Constellations were operating trunk routes. When the jet age dawned, PIA was quick to lease a Boeing 707-321 from Pan American World Airways and in March 1960, PIA became the first Asian airline to operate a pure jet aircraft. The Karachi London New York service commenced on 16th June 1961. In 1964, PIA hit world headlines by becoming the first noncommunist airline to launch flights to Canton (Guangzhou) and Shanghai. The same year it achieved the distinction of being the first international airline to operate a service through Moscow to other destinations in Europe. PIA also held reservations on two Boeing 2707 Supersonic (SST) aircrafts. A new Jet Hangar for Boeings with a supporting airframe overhaul shop was completed and commissioned in 1968. In 1970, PIA set up its own Flight Kitchen in Karachi, which caters, even today, to the national airline as well as other carriers. DC10-30 wide body aircrafts were introduced in March 1974 and two Boeing 747-200 joined PIA fleet in April 1976. Airbus A300s joined the fleet in March 1980. In 1980, Ispahani Hangar was inaugurated which is capable of housing two wide body aircrafts simultaneously. PIA became the first airline in Asia to operate the modern Boeing 737-300 in May 1985.

In June 1991, Airbus A310-300 and in April 1999, Boeing 747-300 were added to the fleet. In November 2002, orders were placed with Boeing to acquire state of the art B777 aircraft comprising of three B777-200 ER, two B777-200 LR and three B777-300 ER. To modernize the turboprop fleet, order for seven ATR 42- 500 were placed in November 2005. In June 2014, first Airbus 320 aircraft joined the fleet. At present, PIA operates four Boeing B777-300 ER, two Boeing B777- 200 LR, six Boeing B777-200 ER, seventeen Airbus A320-200, two ATR 72- 500 and three ATR 42-500 in its fleet.

To Commemorate the 70th Anniversary of creation of P.I.A, Pakistan's National Flag bearing Airlines, Pakistan Post is issuing a set of Commemorative Postage Stamps of Rs. 30/- denomination each and a Souvenir Sheet Valued at Rs. 100/-.