"PIA"

China Eastern Airlines is taking Zootopia to the sky as a Zootopia-themed aircraft was unveiled on May 24.

It is the sixth Disney-themed aircraft to join the fleet of China Eastern Airlines. The custom livery involves a collaboration between the company and Shanghai Disney Resort.

This echoes the world’s first Zootopia land that opened in Shanghai last year.

Disney Zootopia Express

Gear up for a touch of movie magic on your next flight! China Eastern Airlines unveiled a captivating Zootopia-themed airplane late last week.

This exciting addition marks the sixth Disney-themed aircraft in their fleet, solidifying their collaboration with Shanghai Disney Resort.

It coincides perfectly with the immense popularity of the world’s first Zootopia land, which opened its doors at the Shanghai resort last year.

The “Disney Zootopia Express” boasts a unique distinction. It’s the first China Eastern airplane adorned with captivating 3D imagery on its exterior.

3D Exterior Imagery

Imagine your favorite Zootopia characters seemingly windswept by the plane’s speed as it soars through the sky!

The facelift continues inside the cabin, where Zootopia-themed elements abound. Passengers will spot playful animal illustrations on luggage containers and unfold trays featuring a map of the beloved Zootopia land.

The unveiling ceremony itself was an event to remember. Held within a hangar transformed into a whimsical Zootopia-inspired “airport,” the celebration welcomed residents and children from Cangyuan and Shuangjiang counties in Yunnan Province.

These communities benefit from China Eastern’s charitable programs, and the event offered them a chance to experience the plane’s “dreams and wonders” alongside Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, the film’s iconic duo.

Enhancing the travel experience even further, China Eastern Airlines has launched a dedicated Disney section on their mobile app.

This user-friendly feature allows passengers to effortlessly view flight schedules for all six Disney-themed planes a full three days in advance.

Shanghai Pass

Speaking of seamless travel experiences, Shanghai, a major gateway for inbound tourism in China, recently launched the Shanghai Pass. This innovative initiative aims to simplify travel for foreign visitors.

Applying for the pass is easy, with options available at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and convenient transportation card service outlets.

The Shanghai Pass goes beyond Shanghai itself, offering comprehensive coverage for various modes of transportation within the city (buses, subway, taxis, ferries) and extending its reach to over 330 prefecture-level or higher cities throughout China. This includes popular tourist destinations like Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi’an, Qingdao, Chengdu, Sanya, and Xiamen.

So, buckle up for an unforgettable adventure with China Eastern Airlines and the magic of Zootopia! Combined with the convenience of the Shanghai Pass, your next trip to China promises to be smooth sailing from start to finish.

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Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the nation’s flag carrier, is being put forward for privatization by the government.

The government’s Privatization Commission has announced the official call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a majority stake (51-100%) in PIA, marking a significant shift in the airline’s future.

Furthermore, this move opens the door for a new owner to take control and steer PIA towards profitability in a promising aviation market.

A Streamlined Sale: Core Assets and Fresh Start

The Privatization Commission has meticulously prepared PIA for privatization.

Non-core assets and liabilities have been transferred to a newly established holding company, leaving the core airline business – including aircraft, staff across various operations, and crucial contracts – ready for acquisition.

This streamlined approach ensures the new owner inherits a focused airline operation with the potential for growth.

Furthermore, the acquisition encompasses a comprehensive package.

Potential buyers will gain access to PIA’s existing fleet, a dedicated workforce encompassing flight operations, ground handling, training, engineering, and catering, and a network of operational agreements.

These agreements include air service agreements, code-sharing partnerships, fuel supply deals, passenger sales agency arrangements, and even foreign loan agreements.

Ownership Restructuring and Public Listing

The EOI document details the ownership restructuring that will take place.

Existing PIA shareholders will become shareholders of the newly formed holding company, PIA HoldCo, in proportion to their current holdings.

Furthermore, PIA itself will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of PIA HoldCo, with a single class of ordinary shares.

This restructuring paves the way for PIA HoldCo to be listed on the stock exchange, while PIA will cease to be a publicly traded entity.

Government’s Stake and Potential Buyers

The government of Pakistan currently holds a significant 96% stake in PIA.

This privatization initiative comes amidst reported discussions between the government and entities from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates regarding potential investment in PIA, as mentioned in ch-aviation.

These discussions highlight the international interest surrounding PIA’s future.

However, the EOI process remains open to companies, firms, and legal entities from across the globe, excluding individuals and entities owned or controlled by the Pakistani government.

Interested parties have until May 3rd, 2024, to submit their electronic EOI along with a non-refundable processing fee of USD 5,000.

The invitation emphasizes that the government and the Privatization Commission reserve the right to introduce incentives, modify the sale structure, or impose additional conditions as the process unfolds.

PIA’s Potential: Passengers, Routes, and Growth Prospects

While PIA has faced financial challenges in the past, the government is highlighting the airline’s strengths to attract potential buyers.

The EOI document emphasizes that PIA carries millions of passengers annually, operating over 260 flights per week to 34 destinations worldwide.

Looking towards the future, the Pakistani aviation market presents a promising growth opportunity.

Furthermore, the EOI highlights a projected compound annual growth rate of 5.5% for the Pakistani aviation market from FY2024 to FY2028.

Additionally, PIA boasts access to valuable landing rights at 97 international routes, particularly for destinations frequented by Pakistan’s extensive diaspora communities.

This strong network provides a solid foundation for future growth.

Furthermore, prospective buyers should be aware of PIA’s past financial struggles and accumulated debt during this privatization effort by Pakistan.

Addressing these issues will be crucial for ensuring the airline’s long-term sustainability.

A Turning Point for Pakistan’s Aviation Landscape?

In conclusion, the privatization of PIA by Pakistan represents a significant turning point for the aviation sector in the country.

This move has the potential to attract significant investment, modernize PIA’s operations, and unlock its growth potential.

Furthermore, the coming months will be crucial as potential buyers submit their proposals and the government selects the ideal candidate to take PIA to new heights.

With a strategic approach and a focus on profitability, PIA can take flight under new ownership and become a major player in the ever-expanding Pakistani aviation market.

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