PYMA demands international flights operation from Faisalabad

[mehmood123]

Pakistan Yarn Merchants Association (PYMA) has demanded international flights operation from Faisalabad, refund of textile exporters and establishment of the High Court bench to give a push to development and progress of the city. Talking to newsmen, Central Chairman Qaisar Shamas Guccha, Zonal Chairman Sh Muhammad Akram Pasha, Zonal Vice-Chairman Adnan Zahid Butt said that Faisalabad was the third big city of the country as well as hub of the textile industry.

More than 300,000 power loom units, 1500 sizing and dying units, 1000 garments manufacturing, 2000 textile exporting units besides 6 universities and thousands of commercial and industrial establishment were operating in the area. In addition to this, a big yarn market was also established in the city wherein thousands of businessmen were engaged in supply and export of yarn to value-added industries.

Hence travelling facility has become an important requirement of expanding business and exports of the country. It was, therefore, essential that Faisalabad should be provided with the facility of international standard airport and regular and permanent international flights are operated from this city.

They stated that in the past some efforts were made to up grade the local airport and infrastructure facilities for this purpose were provided by the exporters, industrialists and business community of the city. It was, therefore, imperative that the facility of International flights should be provided to this important city. It was in this context that we were repeatedly demanding international flights operation from Faisalabad, they said. They also touched upon the matter of outstanding refunds of textile exporters which has remained blocked for the past many years.

[mehmood123]

In past, many times Govt. and other officials said to upgrade the Airport but It didn't upgrade.

On October 6, 2013: Abid Sher Ali (Minister of State for Water and Power lives in Faisalabad) said that Faisalabad is the hub of Textile and Govt. has decided to do its Airport upgradation. But it's couldn't happen. [3]

On Feb 9, 2014: A Committee had been formed by FCCI to upgrade the Airport and launch the International Flight from there. In which Air Marshal Khawar Hussain (DG Civil Aviation Authority Pakistan), MNA Mian Abdul Mannan, the chairmen of the PTEA, Aptma, PHMA, representatives from Civil Aviation Authority, PIA and Travel Agents Association were included but plan couldn't go ahead. [4]

On 23 March 2014: The Faisalabad Airport Upgradation committee met at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), headed by Parliamentary Finance Secretary Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan. FCCI President Engineer Suhail bin Rashid said that, according to conservative estimates, Rs8 billion was required for upgrading the airport. But it was also waste of time. [5]

Parking is available for one large or two medium-szed jet aircraft, while the runway is not long enough for Boeing 777, Airbus A340, and Airbus A380 operations. Similarly, parking bays for Boeings are inadequate, he added. He said that PIA would enhance its international operation from Faisalabad Airport subject to renovation of the existing facilities and the cargo airlifting facilities would also be made available.

[Abbas Ali]

According to Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Faisalabad Airport limitations include:

* Airport has single departure lounge and arrival lounge for both domestic and international flights operation.

* Only one widebody Airbus A310-300 aircraft can be parked at a time.

* Boeing 777 cannot land at the airport.



Abbas

[mehmood123]

Qatar Airways is planning to operate International Flights from Faisalabad International Airport. Today successfully conducted a survey for feasibility of said operation. Hopefully they can get excellent business in our city.

[Hamad]

I also heard some weeks ago that they are going to start PAX operations to SKT - anyhow as soon as they do not confirm it officially its not 100% sure. But let's hope the best for both LYP and SKT.

[mehmood123]

Faisalabad Airport Website;
http://www.faisalabadairport.weebly.com/