News Desk |
British Airways (BA) has announced its decision to resume flights between London and Islamabad on 2nd June, putting an end to prolonged disbandment of services for around 11 years, by launching a three-flights per week service aboard the Boeing 787 Dreamline aircraft.
Chief Commercial Office of the British Airways, Andrew Brem, stated, “The excitement is building as we put the final touches to this exciting route launch. The anticipation from customers and colleagues has been palpable and we hope customers in both the UK and Pakistan will enjoy the classically British service we offer, with thoughtful bespoke touches.”
British Airways has employed a large number of British-Pakistani and Pakistani crew members who speak Urdu, and these individuals have expressed their interest to provide services on these flights.
A press release shared by the British Airways last week stated that the airline is launching three flights per service aboard the three-class Boeing 787 Dreamliner from Islamabad to London Heathrow. The statement added, “The final touches are coming together for the airline’s return, ahead of its first flight on June 2.”
Bespoke Luxury & Affordable Fares
The three-class system includes a World Traveller, long-haul economy class with a ticket fare as low as £448, the World Traveller Plus, long-haul economy with fares starting from £709, and the World Traveller Plus, which is long-haul premium economy and finally, Club World, which is long-haul business class with fares starting from £1,499. Passengers can use the Avios past payment system to reduce the fares to as low as £248 in World Traveller, £459 in World Traveller Plus and £499 in Club World.
Read more: British Airways announces return to Pakistan after a decade
The Avios part payment also allows customers multiple opportunities to reduce costs, and choose from a wide range of savings based on destinations and cabins. This also allows customers to win Tier Points and Avios on their bookings.
The Boeing 787 is the most recently purchased long-haul aircraft by the British Airways, and this recent addition is 20% more fuel efficient and equipped with comfortable ambiance, mood lighting, larger windows, and state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment. The aircraft also maintains lower cabin pressure, which allows travelers to escape the hazards of a long flight.
The press release by BA also stated that customers will be treated to a bespoke and luxurious in-flight experience, which includes halal meals in each cabin. The statement read, “The airline will also ensure that sauces in every meal do not contain alcohol or pork. As with any BA flight, customers will also be able to pre-order a range of special meal options, including vegetarian and vegan options.”
Passengers can use the Avios past payment system to reduce the fares to as low as £248 in World Traveller, £459 in World Traveller Plus and £499 in Club World.
The hand baggage allowances are also rather lavish, allowing passengers to carry one large cabin bag with a small laptop or handbag, while they can enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, along with online check-in and free seat selection 24 hours before departure.
Connecting Flights to Different Countries
Passengers who land in London can connect into the British Airways network and access 30 destinations across North America through 70 flights leaving for the US per day, thanks to British Airways’ joint venture with American airlines. Passengers can also access 30 different countries across Europe.
British Airways has employed a large number of British-Pakistani and Pakistani crew members who speak Urdu, and these individuals have expressed their interest to provide services on these flights.
Read more: Boeing lands huge British Airways order, after Airbus ends A380
Aftab Khan, one of the crew members on the inaugural flight, narrated his excitement, “I can’t wait for what will be such a wonderful occasion. To be chosen to operate this flight, with my close family links to Pakistan, is a real honor. I know that my colleagues operating the flight are just as excited.”
This decision has emerged after a prolonged period of nearly 11 years after British Airways had suspended all flights to Pakistan back in September 2008, citing security concerns. Now, the airline is returning to Pakistan, and inaugural flight is dated for Sunday, 2nd June.