RAWALPINDI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the national carrier`s new service called the Premier Service at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport on Sunday.

The prime minister saw off passengers travelling aboard the first flight of the service (PK785 flight to London). He also visited the aircraft.

The cabin crew were sporting their new uniforms, with the women wearing burgundyand-maroon dresses and green scarves and the men clad in navy blue suits and green ties.

`The new uniforms reflect the Pakistan International Airlines` (PIA) mission to bring about a `change in the sky`,` a spokesperson for the carrier said.

Earlier, the chief executive officer of the airline, Bernd Hildenbrand, briefed Mr Sharif on the project, saying its new aircraft could well open a `gateway` for PIA`s financial success.

`With a hospitable crew, good food and excellent service, we can compete with the world, he said.

He praised the cooperation extended by the Sri Lankan Airlines and the efforts put in by the PIA management which made it possible to launch the new service in a short time.

The national carrier has inducted three Airbus A-330 aircraft in its fleet after signing a wet-lease agreement with the Sri Lankan Airlines.

The Pakistan International Airlines spokesperson said the new aircraft would give customers a better experience, allowing PIA to regain its market share.

Initially, there will be six Premier Service flights to London a week, three each from Islamabad and Lahore. Later, with the addition of more aircraft, the service will be expanded to other destinations.

The new aircraft are equipped with television screens and an in-flight entertainment system having 250 channels. They also have beds for business passengers.

Business class customers will receive a complimentary limousine service upon their arrival at the Heathrow Airport, London.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid, Sri Lankan Minister for Public Enterprise Hashim M. Kabir, PIA chairman AzamSaigol,Ajith DiasandSurendra Ratwatte of the Sri Lankan Airlines and former special assistant to the prime minister on aviation Capt Shujaat Azeem were also present on the occasion.