Leeds Bradford: Pakistan International Airlines

[White Heather]

Er, No! Have you?

 

[LBAYORKIE]

Prefer not to comment further at this stage- as I don't wat to start any rumours. I think its worth anyone with an 'in' at the airport asking around a bit. Maybe the handling agent would know.

 

[Jordan-34092]

It won't happen, no way the airline will do it. If they ain't going to upgrade the ISB to FRA to AMS route which has higher loads than lba and is more suited they deffo won't upgrade leeds.

 

[LBA787]

The rumour as I know it was a 772 from 31st march. To be honest with you there is more chance of the route being pulled than upgraded!!

:crazy:

 

[LBAYORKIE]

I heard it from someone who should know, but I am mindful of the recent postings reference load factors etc so lets see what happens. At least if it does come off you heard it from me first!

 

[Skyflyer1]

Just did a pretend booking on PIA for Wednesday 13 march and it shows 777-2 as the aircraft type.

 

[LBAYORKIE]

Maybe my source was right after all.

Lbayorkie

 

[User0001]

Well well well, after nearly 4 years of threatening it, they have finally gone and put the B777 on the route.

Good news for Leeds. Not many 3milion pax per anum airports in Europe can boast a regular B772 passenger flight!

 

[planespotter1333]

Been wanting to get pics of PIA 777's for ages!

 

[Moo2009]

Maybe the fight back against air blue has started
Great news for LBA

 

[Jordan-34092]

Alright i eat my words, i just had a look and all flights in April are down for a 777 too.

 

[Jordan-34092]

Don't believe the hype till the tyres are on the tar Mac. Loads of times the rumour mill has been turning in the past.

Its actually down on the PIA booking site, all 777 from March 13th.

 

[Jordan-34092]

Well if the airline goes back on it this time, i say its time to wrap up the LBA - ISB and let another airline do it.

 

[lbaspotter]

Well it looks like PIA's Manchester-Islamabad service is been reduced from the current 4x weekly B772 to just 3x weekly when the 2x weekly Leeds flights get upgraded next month.

 

[channex 757]

It's great news about the B777!

I just hope the LBA weather stays good for the first arrival. I can imagine people gathering at the end of the runway to see the aircraft then the flight having to divert to MAN!

 

[channex 757]

Would the 777 fit round the 32 turning circle? Or would it have to use the 14 loop to turn itself round on the runway?

 

[lbaspotter]

Would the 777 fit round the 32 turning circle? Or would it have to use the 14 loop to turn itself round on the runway?

The 777-200 should fit LBA's runway, taxiways and apron otherwise we wouldn't be able to accept them. I understand a follow me vehicle will be required when turning around down on the 32 turning Circle (Horsforth End) and also when on the main apron.

The B777-200ER is the best option for LBA ops and PIA’s aircraft should be able to make it direct to Islamabad with a full load. The B777-200LR is also capable of using LBA but may have to be payload restricted. The B777-300 is a no go simple as. We don’t have enough runway. Also it will tear up the concrete when turning around due to it having a triple under carriage bogy.

 

[752]

Good news all round for LBA, I really hope this does happen and also I guess it is good news that PIA have reduced MAN and hopefully we will be able to win some PAX back!

 

[White Heather]

Why would a triple bogey undercarriage tear up the concrete LBAspotter? I am not arguing the point, but just curious. We have had DC10's, L1011's and 747's at LBA in the past which have central undercarriage bogeys and they didn't do any damage. That concrete is pretty hard!

The Wardair 747's turned round on the circle at the Horsforth end and didn't have follow me vehicles either. I would have thought that a 777-200 is shorter than a 747, so why would that be necessary now?

Whatever, lets just hope that this time it happens and we get the 777.

 

[Jordan-34092]

The Wardair 747's turned round on the circle at the Horsforth end and didn't have follow me vehicles either. I would have thought that a 777-200 is shorter than a 747, so why would that be necessary now?

Could it be down to the 777 Wingspan is slightly longer than the 747?