This is my trip report on my flight back from Islamabad to Manchester on the 7th of April 2001.

On Saturday morning of the 7th April,I travelled by bus from Faislabad to Islamabad airport at around 05:35 am.

The departure time was 0740 am, so I had roughly two hours to get to the airport. The journey to the airport was an experience of a life time. The bus was a van ! Which had ten men sat on the roof and 2 passengers per seat. The van tilted over to one side whenever it speeded arounf tight bends and corners.

I got to Islambad airport at 0630 am and the airport, looked similar to a government owned hospital. The place was beaming with passengers, considering that it was well before daylight.

I checked into the PIA check in desk. The baggage allowance was 40 kg, and my luggage came to 48 kg. 5kg which accounted for hand baggage and the few kg's which were over, they kindly allowed me.

Because this flight originated from Karachi it had stopped over in Islamabad, so that it could pick up passengers, before heading off directly to Manchester, UK.

I headed over to the passport counter. An what did I see ? Crowded impatient passengers wanting to get through first. I mean, I don't think they've even heard of the word line up.

Whilst in the so called departure lounge, I could see our PIA plane. It was an ex Cathay Pacific 747-300. Unfortunately I could not see the reg. We started to board the plane. At the entrance of the aircraft was two PIA air hostesses. They took my boarding card and guided me to my seat.

The first thing which I noticed was the PTV's in every seat in economy class ! To be honest, I realised that this was an ex Cathay Pacific. So the PTV's were Cathay Pacifics, and so was the interior ! The seats, and the decor was all Cathay Pacfics ! It had not been altered whilst in service for PIA.

We left on time. Which is a big thing if your'e flying with PIA, as you can expect long waits. We flew nonstop to Manchester. By looking at the moving map on the PTV's I noticed that we were flying over Afghanistan, Iran, Hungary.

Other than I have nothing more to say, because PIA's service is nothing to write home about. I've flew with them in the past, but honestly have to say that the service has not improved at all one bit.

The air hostess are not caring or attentive. If you wanted a drink you had to get up and help yourself in the back of the galley .The passengers were loud, especially the little kids and long ques if you wanted to use the toilet.

The scheduled time to arrive at Manchester was 1215 pm. We got there 10 minutes early. At 1205 ! I was amazed.

I normally fly Emirates, but occasionally with PIA. Only flew with them because of the timing.

Also Emirates service is going down, compared to when it first operating. So, in that sense I had no other choice but to fly with PIA.

I seriously I have to say that PIA have to get there act together, buy new planes, refurbish there aircraft and train all their cabin crew to why their passengers are important and how to treat them.

I hope you found my trip report informative, and would appreciate any comments.