*KARACHI – American authorities on Thursday green- lightened PakistanInternational Airlines (PIA) for the direct flight operations to the UnitedStates.*

The development follows, after a meeting of the Consul General of theUnited States of America JoAnne Wagner on Wednesday with the PakistanInternational Airlines (PIA) CEO Arshad Malik, here at the PIA headquarters.

Mr Malik had requested the US dignitary to open direct flights to New York,Chicago and Houston.

He also informed the visiting delegation about purchasing of new jets.

Sources privy to the development said, the PIA has started its preparationsfor the direct flight operations to the US.

The national flag carrier had shut its direct flight operations to the USowing to financial losses of the organization.

JoAnne Wagner had assured to contact the relevant authorities for directflights to certain US cities from Pakistan.

She said: “We are eager to improve ties between the US and Pakistan.” Shewas of the view that both the countries must improve trade ties, as therewas much room for furthering relations.

British Airways is all set to re-start its London-Islamabad flightoperation route from June 2 this year, spokesman of British Airways said.