Responding to the commotion kicked up by these airlines, demanding a level playing field, the Ministry of Defence had granted additional international frequencies/routes to them in July this year to prove their worth. But according to indications available here none of the three carriers have so far come out with a clear-cut programme and future plans.
While Shaheen Air International and Aero Asia have not given any firm indication about their business/fleet plan, Airblue has indicated that it would start operating to UK from May next year.
Syed Nasir Ali, Director Commercial, Airblue told the Business Recorder here on Monday that as per an agreement reached with Airbus two superior medium to extended range A330-200 will be made available to them by May 2006. The aircraft will be on dry lease and flown by Pakistani crew.
He said that to meet the immediate requirements of the airline a Boeing 737-800 has been acquired on wet lease for a period of four months. The aircraft would cater mainly to the needs of northern Pakistan and used on the Lahore-Dubai and Peshawar-Dubai sectors starting November 27.
A clear picture about the business/fleet plans of the private airlines would emerge after the presentation before the Ministry of Defence and Civil Aviation officials in Islamabad sometime this month. The presentation was to be made early last month but had to be postponed due to the earthquake. Though no fresh date has been announced so far, high officials in the Civil Aviation Authority here say that the presentation may take place sometime this month.