Pakistan International Airlines

[Aviador]

Yes, I reported the same in this thread back in August last year. I think they must be using it to gage how many of their website visitors are trying to select LBA as a departure point. I don't think there's any realistic chance of seeing them return to LBA for the foreseeable future to be honest. Naturally, I hope I am proved wrong.

 

[White Heather]

When the service ended, it was stated to be suspended, leaving the door open for a return - and that was confirmed by airport management. It is highly unlikely until such time as PIA have the right equipment for LBA though, and I don't think the 777 (either 200 or 300) are seen as being the right equipment for LBA - irrespective of the fact that the 777 is stated to be the largest aircraft capable of using the LBA runway and aprons on a regular basis.

 

[Bigman]

You know we are short of news when that old PIA nugget surfaces again!!

 

[Airplane]

Just wondered if any news on PIA returning to LBA in the near future. Would be great to see a 777 at Leeds Bradford again.

 

[Aviador]

Hi Airplane,

White Heather, one of our members who attends the airports Consultative Committee recently commented that the airport management has said that it has no plans to pursue any long haul flights from the airport at present. This would suggest it is very unlikely PIA will return to Leeds Bradford Airport anytime soon.

 

[lbaspotter]

Overheard a conversation the other day that PIA have been enquiring about over night accomadtion for crews at the Village Hotel in Headingley. I do know both KLM and Jet2 crews stay here so it sounds plasuable.

 

[yorkie40]

It would be nice to see them back at LBA

 

[White Heather]

Whilst I agree it would be nice to see PIA at LBA again (although I know some would disagree), we wouldn't be seeing a 777 'again' at LBA, as we have never seen one here.

I did say that LBA were not actively pursuing long haul as that is what we were told. That said, I am sure that LBA would not say no if an airline opted to commence such an operation from Leeds. I was told that it was highly unlikely that PIA would be back, but bearing in mind they will now have healthy competition from Shaheen at MAN, you just never know do you? They must know they would have the West Yorkshire market to themselves if they moved a couple of flights back over the Pennines.

 

[Aviador]

I was thinking no chance when I read LBAspotter's post earlier today but now you have reminded me about Shaheen at Manchester, it might actually be plausible.

 

[ls27]

PIA are looking to dry lease 4 250 seat wide bodied aircraft on an 8-10 deal.

 

[White Heather]

How many seats does the 777-200 have?

 

[yorkie40]

How many seats does the 777-200 have?

314 to 451 seats heather

 

[White Heather]

So what is the wide body 250 seat aircraft? 787? A350?

 

[lbaspotter]

I'm thinking B762/A300/A310

 

[a300boy]

I'm thinking B762/A300/A310

A330-200 or B757-300 maybe.

 

[lbaspotter]

Oh forgot about the B753, anyone have a few spare aircraft available for lease? A332 would be a good choice also but dose anyone have any spare going for a lease?

 

[ls27]

The aircraft must not be older than 4 years!

 

[michael]

The aircraft must not be older than 4 years!

well that throws an interesting twist on it if its true, so we can eliminate A300, A310, B767 variants and B753 narrow body

 

[ls27]

I didn't think that this bit of info would create some much interest, nor did I think that the fact that they are also looking for 4 narrow bodied aircraft and these are not to be more than 4 years old either. Both types and are required by Dec 2016

 

[tleeds]

Well then LS27 it really looks like it's got to be an Airbus A332 then doesn't it?

Depending on configuration however a B772 can be as little as 300 seats..? Other than that you are really looking at some B787's which thinking about it have been around for a couple of years now haven't they! 2011 they first came into service!!!! Time has flown!!
Interestingly the A350 only started flying commercially last January (2015!!)

The vast majority of their Longer Haul fleet are Boeing so you could speculate that they would stay Boeing to keep running costs down; crew, maintenance etc (Everyone's aware they've had problems with both in the past!!!!!) than having a mixed manufacturer fleet..! They do have a fair few A320's (Around a dozen I believe - so 12) and a couple of A310s!

A332 seats, according to Boeing; 247 in a 3-class format and 293 in a 2-class structure..!