Pakistan International Airlines

[White Heather]

Must have been a tail wind most of the way back then, unless it got a very direct routing. It departed LBA at 1910.

 

[lbaspotter]

Just been checking the flight schedule pages on the PIA website http://www.piac.com.pk/WeeklyFlightSchedule.aspx and it now looks like the Boeing 777-200ER upgrade has been delayed until at least Wednesday, October 30th as all other remaining flight up to and including Saturday, October 26th are now shown to be operated by Airbus A310's. Also noticed that all UK flights remain un-bookable for some reason...

New revised schedule as from October 30th
PIA775 = ISB 12:30 LBA 17:00 / PIA776 = LBA 20:00 ISB 07:55+

 

[User0001]

Im probably going to get shot down I flames for this, but, I can honestly see this route being pulled.

Im certainly not wishing it to happen, but, this faffing with the B777 has got the GLA scenario written all over it.

Combined with the constant problems with finance, the A310 pushing the age boundary and the fact no tickets can be booked to/from the UK for a few days now, it doesn't bode well.

For the sake of LBA's only long haul route, I hope it survives, but, the performance of late doesn't fill me with confidence.

 

[Moo2009]

Bring on Shahean with the 330

 

[White Heather]

Ironically, passenger figures are probably at an all time high from what I am told too - average 90% load factors. Odd that the schedules still show the flights, but when you move to the on line booking stage there is nothing.

 

[Bigman]

I wondered how long it would be before someone mentioned Shaheen!!

 

[scousefowler]

I have to say, from a business point of view, that it would be prudent of the management of the airport to be looking at alternative carriers for this route, and possibly to Dubai.

 

[White Heather]

Scousefowler, I think you can take it as read that they will be doing that. I don't imagine they are too impressed that having announced the commencement of the 777 operation, they are left with the embarrassment of not only the A310 continuing, but now the airline suspending all UK bookings. On that subject, can anyone advise it that remains the situation or are bookings available again now? I cannot access the PIA website from my work PC

 

[lbaspotter]

Yep I can confirm that Leeds/Bradford - Islamabad flights are once again bookable on the PIA website Heather.

 

[Nightflight]

So the flights are back on and are bookable!! but only for the a310 service, i doubt that the b777-200 will ever come in to Leeds now, PIA are a disgrace!!! all flannel and no trousers!!!!

 

[a300boy]

I expect the service to be terminated at the end of the summer season. Sadly I have never thought B777 operations from Leeds were workable in winter. It would be very restricted for landing and only Cat 1 on either runway due to its weight. Landing on a wet runway would be marginal too I believe. This winter the A310 has made a couple of diversions to Manchester and at least two Cat 2 approach and landings at Lbia due to low visibility the B777 would not be capable of doing that. Its sad that even an A320 cannot make an auto land on runway 32 under Uk rules [ see BA thread ] thank goodness Ryanair are Irish registered. We all have to accept that this airfield has very limited development potential unless massive investment to the infrastructure takes place.

 

[airforced]

................ We all have to accept that this airfield has very limited development potential unless massive investment to the infrastructure takes place.

A bit below the belt I know but if funds can't be found to get an escalator going upgrading runways and landing systems is one Christmas wish too far unfortunately.

 

[48vanman]

I see todays flight arrived on time,but according to lbia website it hasn't left yet.Anybody any idea what the problem is today?.

 

[lbaspotter]

I see todays flight arrived on time,but according to lbia website it hasn't left yet.Anybody any idea what the problem is today?.

Well I know the PIA776 (A310, AP-BEC) called Leeds tower earlier as he wanted to do an engine run on stand, But that was quite a few a few hours ago. Didn't realize she was still on stand.

 

[lbia]

Just left now.

 

[EX9]

Tech problems, oil and APU.

 

[lbaspotter]

This is not confirmed yet and you might not belieive me but due to a shortage of Airbus A310's I understand that tomorrow's PIA775/776 Islamabad - Leeds service is been operated by a Boeing 777.

The bad news is that the service will in fact be diverted to Manchester with all pax been transfered over the M62 by coaches.

 

[The Pole]

This is not confirmed yet and you might not belieive me but due to a shortage of Airbus A310's I understand that tomorrow's PIA775/776 Islamabad - Leeds service is been operated by a Boeing 777.

The bad news is that the service will in fact be diverted to Manchester with all pax been transfered over the M62 by coaches.

why the divert if LBA has been ready for 777's since mid March

 

[SNOWMAN]

hi there pole

if it is a 777 could it be a late runner hence the divert to man.
regards
sm1

 

[Moo2009]

Maybe cos they are playing chicken and it will never come to LBA