IAG Cargo announced a new direct service from the UK to Lahore with regular flights commencing four times a week this month from London Heathrow which is seen to strengthen IAG Cargo’s existing presence in Pakistan.
In a statement, the cargo division of the IAG Group said the new route will give businesses access to important manufacturing hubs in the region and connect Lahore with Europe, the United States, Canada and beyond.
It noted that the new service will strengthen IAG Cargo’s existing presence in Pakistan, which since 2019 has also included flights to Islamabad, which resumed service on 14 September 2020 operating daily between the two capital cities.
"IAG Cargo’s extensive global network will allow customers seeking to transport essential goods from the region, such as textiles, leather, and surgical goods, access to key markets in Europe, the United States, Europe, Canada and elsewhere," IAG Cargo said.
The new route will be operated by British Airways B787-8 wide-body aircraft.
“We’re very pleased to be opening this new route and to add Lahore to our network of over 350 destinations. Lahore is home to many manufacturers of important goods and is an important market for computer equipment, electrical machinery and auto spares parts from Europe and the US. IAG Cargo will now also be able to play a bigger part in the Mango harvesting season – an important moment in the year for Pakistani exporters," said Shameer Nasarulla, area commercial manager for Middle East, Pakistan & Bangladesh, IAG Cargo.
The British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Dr Christian Turner, said: “The first-ever British Airways flights to Lahore is a sign of confidence in Pakistan, and the deepening ties between our two countries. I hope it will open up even more opportunities for business links, people-to-people ties and tourism.”