On January 2, 1962, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) achieved a remarkable feat, setting a new world record for the fastest flight between London and Karachi. The historic flight was accomplished by a Boeing 720-B aircraft, marking a significant milestone in aviation history.
The PIA Boeing 720-B was on a home delivery flight from the Boeing factory in Seattle to Karachi. On its way, it had already shattered the flying record between Seattle and London. Upon reaching Karachi, the aircraft further cemented its place in the record books by completing the London to Karachi leg in six hours, 45 minutes, and 33 seconds, with an impressive average speed of 583.3 miles per hour.
When Captain Abdullah Baig, the chief pilot of PIA, and Air Commodore Nur Khan, the managing director, disembarked from the aircraft, they were met with a warm reception. Captain Baig credited the success of the record-breaking flight to the coordinated efforts of the entire crew. He praised the team, calling it “the finest team” he had ever flown with.
The new record clipped two hours and nine minutes off the previous best, set in 1953 by a British Canberra bomber, which had completed the journey in eight hours, 52 minutes, and 28.5 seconds. The Royal Aero Club observer aboard the flight described the journey as “jolly good business,” reflecting the smooth and efficient nature of the flight despite initial challenges.
Karachi Airport on January 2, 1962 after a record setting flight from London. With representatives of FAI (Federation Aeronautique International) on board to monitor the official timings, AP-AMG on its delivery flight under the command of PIA’s ace pilot Capt. Abdullah Baig (standing – 3rd from right in the photo) with Capt. Taimur Baig (standing – 5th from right in the photo) as his co-pilot completed London to
Karachi flight in 6 hours 43 minutes and 55 seconds, the record which to this day remains unbroken!! Capt. Khusro Nawaz Khan (standing – 2nd from right) and Flight Engineer Hassan Mirza (first row – 1st from right) are also seen in this photo. (image source historyofpia)
The journey from London was delayed by over 36 hours due to snow and bad weather, which made the runway conditions far from ideal. However, the take-off was smooth, demonstrating the exceptional skills and coordination of the PIA crew. The aircraft landed in Karachi at 5:26 PM, greeted by cheers and admiration from those on the ground.
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The $6 million turbofan jet aircraft was not just a symbol of technological advancement but also a testament to PIA’s commitment to excellence and innovation. The airline planned to deploy the Boeing 720-B on the Karachi-Dacca route, promising to cut travel time by half and offering an improved travel experience for its passengers.
The record-setting flight garnered significant attention from both Pakistani and international media. Journalists aboard the plane were among the first to report on the achievement, highlighting the significance of this milestone for PIA and Pakistan’s aviation industry. The successful flight demonstrated PIA’s growing capabilities and its potential to compete on the global stage.
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The historic flight of the PIA Boeing 720-B in 1962 remains a proud moment in Pakistan’s aviation history. It showcased the airline’s technical prowess, the dedication of its crew, and its ambition to set new standards in the industry. This achievement continues to inspire and remind us of the incredible potential of human ingenuity and teamwork in overcoming challenges and reaching new heights.
