Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has taken a major step to expand its global reach by offering rail service to passengers traveling to Western countries.
The list of the countries is mentioned below
- UK
- Spain
- Norway
- Canada.
This move is actually marking a strategic shift as PIA moves beyond traditional air travel to provide smoother end-to-end journeys for its international passengers.
The national carrier has announced a code-sharing partnership with AccesRail, a global leader in air-rail intermodal solutions.
How PIA’s Air-Rail Code-Sharing Works
Under the new arrangement, PIA passengers can book train tickets directly through PIA’s booking platform or via travel agents using the Global Distribution System (GDS). This means travelers no longer need to purchase separate rail tickets after landing in a foreign country.
Instead, passengers can travel seamlessly from the airport to their final destination using one combined air-rail ticket, saving both time and money.
As per PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan, the initiative is going to increase the airline’s connectivity without opening new flight routes.
More Cities, Same Ticket, Lower Cost
For example, PIA currently flies to Barcelona in Spain. With the new rail service, passengers can continue their journey to other Spanish cities by train under the same ticket. This option costs less than buying rail tickets separately, especially in western countries where last-minute train bookings are often expensive or unavailable.
The rail service connects PIA passengers to major transport providers such as Renfe (Spain), Via Rail Canada, VI (Norway), and Great Western Railways and Avanti West Coast (UK). In addition, luxury coach services operated by National Express in the UK are also included.
Part of PIA’s Long-Term Connectivity Strategy
This rail service initiative is forming an integral part of PIA’s broader connectivity policy, inspired by global carriers such as Turkish Airlines, which keep on using extensive code-sharing to reach hundreds of destinations worldwide.
PIA already maintains code-sharing agreements with Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Cham Wings. The airline aims to generate 10% of total sales through code-sharing within the next three to four years, building on the current 3% contribution.
Aviation Policy 2019 Enables Expansion
PIA officials are giving credit to Aviation Policy 2019 for enabling such partnerships. The policy allows airlines to
- Expand networks efficiently without heavy investment and it is creating a win-win situation for passengers and airlines alike.
With this move, PIA is strengthening its position as a more connected and customer-focused airline.