Suspended Kashgar-Islamabad charter flights to resume after 2 year lull

Charter flights from Xinjiang's Kashgar to Pakistani capital of Islamabad will recommence on April 1, 2013 after a two-year suspension.

Wang Yongzhi, an official from the Kashgar government disclosed that the resumed service will be operated by Pakistani carrier Rayyan Air and using A310 and A320 aircraft.

Rayyan Air will initially offer one flight a week and be increased to two weekly in the later half this year. It is expected to be able to carry about 500 tonnes of freight every year, Mr Wang said.

Rayyan Air CEO Fateh Sher Bhatti said the roads between Pakistan and Kashgar are unsatisfactory and often closed down in winter, suggesting that charter flights might be a solution to ground transport and difficulties and meet growing demand in China and Pakistan.

The service was first launched in 2010 but closed due to low demand. But as trade between China and Pakistan grew in the past two years, plus the continuous upgrade of Kashgar airport's facilities and subsidies provided by the local government, the carrier has decided to recommence the service.

Covering an area of 162,000 kilometres, Kashgar is situated at the southwestern part of Xinjiang, bordering eight countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan.