Airlines

Airline’s 1M passenger given free flights for life after boarding plane

A lifetime of free flights was a surprise offered by low-cost Icelandic airline PLAY to its one-millionth customer. On February 17, 2023, Ikechi Chima Apakama, the lucky traveller, was flying from Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport to Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport. Prosecco, cakes, and gift bags were given to every passenger on the flight.

The airline promised free flights for the rest of their lives to the lucky millionth passenger. IKechi was approached by staff who informed him that he had won the award after the plane touched down in Iceland.

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Ikechi received a coat and headgear from Cintamani, a renowned Icelandic brand, in addition to free PLAY flights for life. Following the surprise, IKechi and his two friends were driven off in a Cadillac filled with goodies and gifts that they could use to enjoy playing sports while on vacation.

PLAY CEO Birgir Jónsson said, “I want to congratulate each of the one million guests who decided to travel with PLAY and the PLAY team for delivering our award-winning service. “For a startup airline that was just 18 months ago dealing with a global epidemic and extraordinary travel restrictions, reaching one million passengers is a remarkable milestone.

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Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.