ISLAMABAD: Seeking to regain altitude after its privatisation, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Sunday announced enhanced baggage allowances on its Beijing route, betting that added passenger perks will help it compete more effectively in a crowded aviation market.
Under the revised policy, the economy class passengers travelling between Islamabad and Beijing will now be entitled to 50 kilograms of free baggage, up from 40 kilograms, while the executive economy passengers will receive an allowance of 60 kilograms, an increase of 10 kilograms.
The airline said the move would place its baggage offering among the most generous on the route, providing added convenience for passengers, particularly students, business travellers and families who frequently travel between Pakistan and China.
Alongside the revised baggage policy, PIA highlighted its partnerships with Air China and Shenzhen Airlines, which allow passengers from 25 Chinese cities to connect to Islamabad via Beijing through interline arrangements.
The airline said the agreements would enable smoother onward travel and more competitive through fares.
The announcement comes as PIA, recently transferred to private ownership following years of financial difficulties and operational challenges, seeks to rebuild passenger confidence and strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive aviation market.
While the enhanced baggage allowance may be welcomed by travellers, industry observers note that passenger priorities often extend beyond baggage benefits to include reliability, service quality and network expansion.
PIA maintained that its comparatively low fares on the Beijing-Islamabad sector, combined with the expanded baggage allowance and improved connectivity, form part of a broader strategy to make travel between Pakistan and China more affordable and convenient.
The airline said the latest measures reflect its commitment to deepening air links between the two countries and supporting growing demand from students, tourists and business travellers.
The move also comes against the backdrop of expanding economic and commercial ties between Islamabad and Beijing, which have increased the need for stronger transport connections.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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