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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s
new airline service — AirBlue — began its’ flights Friday,
taking off to the horizons, spheres and skies, initially
within the country — yet with an illustrious plan to extend
its’ voyage — even beyond oceanic in times to come.
The airline with three new-generation aircraft has planned to
fly between Karachi and other major cities of the country —
including Lahore and Islamabad.
Perspective
Pakistan’s first independent daily on the Web, ‘Pakistan
Times’ was told by the chief of Marketing of the airline,
Syed Nasir Ali on phone Friday that the flight operations on
the first day gave a new impetus to the aviation in Pakistan
as all the flights operated with an exclusively trained and
already experienced crew—with the pilots atop.
‘Passengers were extremely impressed by the politeness,
loyalty, intellect, curtsy and efficiency of the fascinating
cabin crew, composed of hostesses and stewards of AirBlue’, he
observed by adding that the AirBlue shall continue to offer
business and economy classes and will be the first airline in
private sector to have Pakistani pilots and engineering staff
trained according to international standards.
Aims and Objectives
Syed Nasir Ali said that the airline — AirBlue — will start
its operation with initial investment of Rs 500 million on
domestic routes.
The airline will be exclusive and outstanding in its operation
based on information technology, he said.
Paperless Operation
Operation of the AirBlue will be paperless, he said by adding
that any person who has access to Internet can get reservation
from our web-site (www.airblue.com)
with PNR numbers and get out the print, which is
acceptable even in the airport restricted area.
Workshops
The AirBlue management had planned eight workshops, four in
Karachi, two in Lahore and two in twin cities of Rawalpindi
and Islamabad. The objective of these workshops is to build
understanding among all stakeholders of the airline.
Service to the Middle East
and Asia Pacific AirBlue leased ex-Thomas Cook Belgium A320
(394) with V2500s from Jetscape for startup [three-time daily
Karachi-Lahore/-Islamabad] in late April. It expects later to
add service to the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
Innovative e-ticketing Technology
Pakistan's most modern domestic airline 'AirBlue' has
introduced its latest and innovative web based e-technology to
members of the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan [TAAP] in
Islamabad of late.
A large number of travel agents eager to get acquainted with
the airline's online superior reservations services attended
the full-day workshop, which was facilitated by Syed Nasir
Ali, Director Commercial, Zahid Saleem Khan, Regional Head
TAAP [Rawalpindi Chapter] Armaan Yahya, District Manager
Islamabad/Rawalpindi and Ms Sadaf Ali, Manager Systems Support
and Ticketing of the AirBlue.
Fifty Percent Off
AirBlue is the first-ever airline of Pakistan which has
offered 50% Off to the travelers on the eve of its’ clutching
skies—with effect from Friday. This concession shall remain
intact for a specific period and subject to certain conditions
to facilitate those who can’t afford voyage by air—exclusively
the middle class.
Credible sources say that a
special package is also in the offing by AirBlue for
celebrated professionals and senior citizens of Pakistan. The
airline had simultaneously entered into agreements with
Airbus, a dazzling carrier, being manufactured by France.
World-class Service
The company plans to provide world-class service to passengers
on domestic flights by making use of latest information
technology and introduce products and services that will be
the first of their kind in Pakistan.
The new and most impressive AirBlue envisages an initial
investment of over Rs 500 million. It has put together a team
of experienced aviation professionals.
Tariq Chaudhry, a US-based fêted information technology expert
is the chief executive of the new air service with a marvelous
expertise in the as aviation arena of Pakistan’s eminent
ex-parliamentarian, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi who also held the top
slot with Pakistan’s National Flag Carrier — PIA as its’
Chairman in the past.
'AirBlue' has unique
features of excellence for the travelers, virtually splendid
in the airline field.
Monopoly
The introduction of AirBlue shall also trounce the monopoly in
Pakistan’s domestic aviation industry, which is dominated by
state-owned carrier PIA with over 75 percent of market share,
the rest is held by two private airlines, Aero Asia and
Shaheen Air.
'AirBlue' plans to operate out of Karachi with three ILFC
managed Airbus A320. The airline starts its flights
concentrating initially on domestic routes but is all set for
a take-off with international flights expectant before the end
of the new fiscal year — 2004-2005 that is within — a year.
For a Detailed Feature
on 'AirBlue' by Pakistan Times,
Click Here!
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