Ambassador Nicolas Galey hosts grand reception

Celebrates PIA’s direct flights between Islamabad, Paris

Celina Ali

Islamabad: In a momentous celebration of strengthened air connectivity and diplomatic ties, French Ambassador to Pakistan, Nicolas Galey, hosted an exclusive reception this week at the French residence in Islamabad.

The gathering marked the highly anticipated resumption of direct flights between Islamabad and Paris, operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

The prestigious event brought together an esteemed audience, including PIA’s Chief Executive Officer, Muhammad Amir Hayat, diplomats, media professionals, and distinguished guests. Their presence underscored the significance of this milestone in fostering bilateral relations between France and Pakistan.

Ambassador Galey set the tone for the evening with a symbolic “welcome aboard,” expressing his joy at hosting this landmark occasion. He extended heartfelt gratitude to PIA’s leadership for selecting Paris as the first European destination in the airline’s renewed operations. “This choice reaffirms the strong and enduring ties between our nations and highlights the vital role of connectivity in our relationship,” he remarked.

Acknowledging the extensive efforts behind this achievement, the ambassador highlighted the dedication of PIA, the Pakistani government, and the civil aviation sector in regaining access to European airspace. He reflected on the rigorous compliance process undertaken with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) following the Karachi tragedy, emphasizing the unwavering support provided by the EU delegation in Islamabad.

Ambassador Galey emphasized the economic and diplomatic significance of the reinstated flights, envisioning them as a gateway for political leaders, entrepreneurs, academics, artists, students, and tourists. Expressing optimism about future expansion, he noted that the current two weekly flights—and the potential addition of a third—would substantially boost people-to-people and trade exchanges between Pakistan and Europe.

A major highlight of the evening was the announcement of a strategic partnership between PIA and Air France-KLM. This collaboration will enable seamless connectivity for travelers flying from Islamabad via Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport to 21 destinations across Europe. Passengers will benefit from streamlined baggage handling and check-in procedures, ensuring a faster and more convenient travel experience. “With a flight time of approximately seven hours, reaching Paris and beyond is now not only quicker but also more cost-effective—saving both time and money,” Ambassador Galey stated.

He further underscored Paris CDG’s status as a global aviation hub, offering non-stop flights to over 300 destinations in 112 countries through 160 airlines, thereby expanding travel opportunities for Pakistani passengers.

Reflecting on the deepening collaboration between France and Pakistan in the aviation sector, Ambassador Galey highlighted existing technical partnerships. He noted that aircraft maintenance is already entrusted to Air France Industries and KLM Engineering & Maintenance, avionics are supplied by Thales, and a recent agreement between the French and Pakistani civil aviation authorities aims to enhance air safety and training.

“As PIA looks to expand its European footprint, the demand for additional aircraft will grow. With Airbus and ATR planes already playing a key role in your fleet, European manufacturers stand ready to support PIA’s modernization and expansion plans,” he added.

The ambassador concluded his speech with a note of enthusiasm for the strengthening ties between the two nations. He wished guests an enjoyable evening, signing off with a heartfelt “Shukria, and bon voyage!”—a gesture that encapsulated the spirit of friendship and cooperation.

Taking the stage, PIA CEO Muhammad Amir Hayat expressed profound joy over the airline’s return to Paris. “This event is not merely about restoring a flight route—it signifies the rekindling of a deep-rooted relationship between Pakistan and France,” he remarked.

He extended sincere appreciation to Ambassador Galey and the French diplomatic mission for their unwavering support in facilitating the flight resumption. “Your commitment and collaboration were instrumental in achieving this milestone. I also wish to recognize the invaluable assistance of the EASA team, the CDG airport authorities, and Mathew, Director of Customer Relations, whose efforts made this possible,” he added.

Hayat recalled the longstanding ties between Pakistan and France, emphasizing the deep cultural, historical, and economic bonds that unite the two nations. He highlighted Paris as one of PIA’s earliest European destinations and reflected on its influence on the airline’s legacy. “From the first designer uniforms introduced in PIA to our flagship office at Champs-Élysées, Paris has always held a special place in our history,” he shared.

He also mentioned the Mont Blanc office—a landmark in Paris that PIA has owned for decades—and the Scribe Paris property, which remains a testament to the airline’s heritage in the French capital. “The resumption of flights is not just about reconnecting routes—it’s about renewing a commitment that has existed for generations,” he stated.

Highlighting the immense potential for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, Hayat emphasized that direct flights between Pakistan and France would create new opportunities for businesses and travelers alike.

“These flights will not only provide greater convenience for the Pakistani diaspora in France and vice versa but will also pave the way for enhanced collaboration in sectors such as trade, investment, and cultural diplomacy,” he said.

Concluding his speech, the PIA chief expressed his optimism about the evolving partnership between the two countries. “We believe this is just the beginning of a new era of cooperation. We look forward to deepening our engagement and fostering stronger ties between our people and cultures,” he affirmed.

The evening ended on a high note, with guests celebrating this milestone achievement and the promising future of Pakistan-France aviation ties.