Airport looks to find new Pakistan operator

2:39am Saturday 10th May 2008

Efforts are under way to find an alternative airline to provide direct flights between Leeds Bradford Airport and Pakistan.

The move follows the suspension of the three-times-a-week service to Islamabad by Shaheen Air International due to the unavailability of aircraft.

Tony Hallwood LBIA commercial and aviation development director said he was confident that flights could be resumed.

He said: "Shaheen Air International has confirmed that due to a lack of aircraft availability, the airline is due to cease operations from Leeds Bradford Airport on June 1.

"There is a very strong demand for a direct service to Pakistan from Leeds Bradford and we are naturally disappointed that the service has been withdrawn.

"We are however already in discussions alternative airlines with a view to re-starting direct operations to Pakistan as soon as possible and we are confident of success."

Mr Hallwood is to join around 200 European airline and airport executives at an international conference in Portugal in a bid to add extra routes from Leeds Bradford airport.

The 2008 Routes Conference will explore and discuss new air service opportunities and Mr Hallwood will try and win additional destinations for LBIA with particular focus on new routes to France, Eastern Europe and Pakistan.

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