Italy carrier Neos prepares to begin Pakistan flights

Milan: Italian carrier Neos plans to launch flights between Italy and Pakistan, aiming to offer once-weekly frequencies between Lahore and its Rome or Milan hub.

Neos has a history of attempting to stimulate demand in markets where it may not currently exist, and their choice to establish operations at Lahore falls in line with this philosophy.

Neos is a 22-year-old Italian airline that flies to 53 destinations, and they are continuously expanding their route network and adding long-haul destinations.

Italian carrier Neos has prepared to launch flights between Italy and Pakistan. The airline, which is based in Lombardy and maintains operating bases at Milan-Malpensa (MXP), Rome-Fiumicino (FCO), Bergamo (BGY), Bologna (BLQ), and Verona (VRN), will aim to begin once weekly frequencies between Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) in Lahore and its Rome or Milan hub.

Recently, communications between Neos and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority have been reported, demonstrating that flights could soon follow. Furthermore, the carrier also expressed its interest in flying to both Jinnah International Airport (KHI) in Karachi and Islamabad International Airport (ISB). Currently, no direct flights are operated between Lahore and the European Union.

For many, it may seem initially bizarre for Neos to establish operations in Pakistan, especially considering the lack of a strong tourist market in the nation and relatively few tourists visiting Italy from the country each year. However, the carrier has started similar services in the past that have ultimately proven popular. Much like American hybrid carrier Breeze Airways, Neos thrives by launching routes that stimulate demand, even where it may not presently exist.

The carrier’s choice of establishing operations at Lahore, which is not the nation’s largest or busiest airport, is another interesting strategic decision to ponder. In the past, Neos has established similar routes to secondary cities, such as the carrier’s services from Milan to Amritsar (ATQ) and Sharm El Sheikh (SSH) in Egypt. Furthermore, while routes to Karachi from Italy currently face no competition, legacy carrier Pakistan International Airlines could be on the verge of resuming flights to EU destinations, having reportedly passed EASA’s safety audit in July.

Neos, a 22-year-old Italian airline, flies to 53 destinations across southern Europe, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Brazil, the United States, and the Middle East. Established as a joint venture between Italian tourism firm Alpitour S.p.A. and TUI Group, the carrier has grown to serve a diverse route network.

Led by CEO Carlo Stradiotti, the carrier has targeted expansion and will continue to add long-haul destinations to its route network. For example, the carrier’s service to Phuket will resume on 19 December 2023, after a service suspension.

Currently, the carrier’s fleet consists of Boeing 737 Next Generation, 737 MAX, and 787s, having recently retired its 767-300ER jets for freighter conversion in 2020. The carrier flies five 737-800s, four MAX 8s, and six 787-9 Dreamliners, with an outstanding order for four new MAX aircraft.