Observer Report
Islamabad
Turkey and Pakistan will increase their mutual cooperation in aviation sector. This was said by Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Federal Minister for Aviation during his meeting with Mustafa Yurdakul, Turkey’s Ambassador on Wednesday in Aviation Division.
Both sides agreed on developing strong relations in the field of aviation. Federal Minister also added that Pakistan and Turkey are brotherly countries. Our relations are warm and cordial based on trust and respect. Similarly, Mustafa Yurdakul said that Turkey is keen on enhancing ties with Pakistan. Interestingly Air Services Agreement(ASA) between Pakistan and Turkey concluded n 1972 stipulates multiple airlines designation.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Air Blue are the designated airlines of Pakistan whereas Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines are the airlines of Turkey. The last MoU was signed on October 20, 2015.The route schedule for Pakistan airlines are Istanbul, Ankara and 4 other points. While designated airlines of Turkey are destined for Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Quetta and Sialkot. Designated airlines of each counter are allowed to operate 47 flights. This include 14 weekly frequencies between Istanbul and Karachi,6 weekly frequencies between Istanbul and Lahore,7 weekly frequencies between Istanbul and Islamabad,4 weekly frequencies between Istanbul and Faislabad,4 weekly frequencies between Istanbul and Quetta and 4 weekly frequencies between Istanbul and Sialkot.
The designated airlines of Pakistan shall be entitled to operate unlimited number of frequencies for pure cargo operations from points in Pakistan to/from Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir based on 3rd, 4th and 5th freedom traffic rights with any type of cargo aircraft.
