From October IAG Cargo will be flying direct to Lahore, Pakistan’s second largest city, running year-round, four times per week from London Heathrow. The new route will expand IAG Cargo’s footprint in Pakistan, joining IAG Cargo’s recently resumed Islamabad route, which now flies daily.
Operated by a British Airways B787-800, the route will serve customers looking to transport exports such as leather and surgical goods to key markets in the United States, Europe and Canada.
Lahore is a major hub in the South Asian subcontinent for textile and rubber production, as well as computer and electrical machinery. Commenting on the new route, IAG Cargo’s Commercial Manager for Middle East, Pakistan and Bangladesh Shameer Nasarulla said:
“We’re very pleased to be opening this new route and to add Lahore to our global network. 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 between June and August – an important moment in the year for Pakistani exporters.”
The British High Commissioner to Pakistan Dr Christian Turner said:
“The first ever British Airways flight 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.”