Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has launched a restoration project for the historic grounded aircraft at Lahore’s Chauburji Chowk, aiming for completion by August 14 to coincide with Independence Day.
The aircraft, which had been idle since the 1980s and dulled over time—especially during the construction of the Orange Line Metro—will now undergo a complete revamp. Led by PIA Deputy GM of Marketing, Athar Hassan Awan, the initiative includes repainting the plane, installing new seats, and restoring the cockpit to its original state to attract younger visitors.
The project also includes a revamp of the adjacent planetarium, which will feature daily space-themed shows geared towards children, highlighting celestial bodies like stars and the moon.
With this move, PIA hopes to reconnect with the public and improve its image, especially as it resumes flight operations to Europe and the UK. The effort also aligns with earlier restoration initiatives carried out in Karachi and planned for Peshawar.
Entry fees have been fixed at Rs100 for children and Rs150 for adults. The site will open to visitors on August 14, offering an educational and interactive aviation experience for families.
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