The new tail of PIA aircraft depicts the motif of Sindh with aircraft named as Thar–Colours of the Desert.
The new tail of PIA aircraft depicts the motif of Punjab with aircraft named as Lahore–Garden of the Mughal.
The new tail of PIA aircraft depicts the motif of NWFP with aircraft named as Peshawar–The City of Khyber Pass.
The new tail of PIA aircraft depicts the motif of Baluchistan with aircraft named as Quetta–Nature’s Orchard.
My very special thanks to PIA Public Relations for the photos.
Following is complete text of PIA press release
Karachi, Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Pakistan is nourished by the Indus that originates in the Himalayas and flows down into the Arabian Sea. It is the home of one of the oldest Civilization on earth, the Indus Valley Civilization. From the north where six of the highest mountains ranges meet, it flows down the beautiful valleys of the Frontier, across the rich plains of the Punjab, skirting the mountainous Baluchistan, down the plains and deserts of Sindh until it finally flows down into the Arabian sea. Rich in culture and heritage, its motifs and colors have had a unique quality, cherished by millions through the centuries. Pakistan archaeological finds, one of the oldest in the world, is exemplified by Mehrgarh finds, some 9500 years old.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the national flag carrier, in its effort to portray the rich heritage it inherits has decided to change its livery partially, specifically its tail, to reflect the colors and artistic excellence of its four Provinces and proudly fly around the globe, for one and all to reflect on its grandeur.
In so doing, it has chosen some of the finest of motifs characteristic of the four Provinces comprising Pakistan. Not only was this need for change qualified by the massive change occurring in PIA as a whole, but also reinforced by the national flag carrier’s desire to pool in its humble contribution in the integration of the country as a whole. The result is a colourful tail of PIA airplanes, which in itself is named after the most remarkable characteristic of each province. All this is bonded by the retention of the National Flag repositioned for more emphasis on the main body of the fuselage. PIA aircrafts will be done in this livery on the tail over approximately a two year time span, before the entire fleet is completed. Let us take the Provinces one by one and describe what each tail design represents for the entire fleet of PIA aircrafts.
Frontier: Home of proud Pathans, the North West Frontier Province stretches from the Khyber Pass in the north-west to the mighty Karakorum Range in the north-east. The airplane is named after the Khyber Pass, and the tail is resplendent by the “Phulkari†(flowering) pattern that reflects a rich and colorful tradition of embroidery generally done on shawls, shirts and linen. Often bearing strong Greek influence from the days of Ghandara civilization, these vibrant geometric patterns and motifs, all in primary colors, reflect exquisite detail and precision of craftsmanship. The tail of the airplane bears witness to this design.
Punjab: As the land of the five rivers the Province of Punjab in Pakistan offers a feast for the senses. With its lush valleys and verdant plains the crafts of the Punjab have a rich and vibrant tradition from the ‘royal’ craftsmanship of its urban centers to the village crafts of the rural areas. The patterns and the motifs vary from floral designs to figures of birds to majestic elephants. Its historical buildings and gardens, its glasswork shimmering in the Sheesh Mahal, the art of Punjab is best exemplified in the exquisite tile decoration of the Wazir Khan Mosque in Lahore, which is the design on the tail of the airplane. The airplane is named after the Garden of the Moghuls.
Baluchistan: Pakistan’s Baluchistan Province stretches from the coast of Makran in the west to the mountain passes of Bolan and Gomal in the north. This is the land of the thousand of years old Juniper Forests. The local craftsmanship reflects the proud Baluch tribal tradition. A striking and colorful reflection of robust creativity is seen in the kilims, carpets and rugs woven with wool, goar or camel hair and mixed yarn. The pattern is mostly bold geometric motifs in primary colors dominated by red and making it strikingly beautiful. This is the design and motif on the tail. And the airplane is named after the Orchards of Baluchistan.
Sindh: Situated in the heart of the Indus Valley Civilization, exemplified by the ruins Moen-jo-daro, the Sindh Province in Southern Pakistan has an ancient and rich tradition of art and crafts. Among them, Hala tile work is one of the most striking representations of a craftsmanship that transforms clay into an object of undying and pristine beauty. Exquisitely adorned with electric blue and white floral pattern and motifs, the Hala craft signifies a labour of love and a passion for perfection. These floral patterns and motifs constitute the design of the aircraft’s tail and the aircraft itself is named after the deserts of Sindh.
Source: PIA Public Affairs & Communication Division
