BAKU (TSAT) - Pakistan state-run airline has started its flight operation for Azerbaijan and its first direct flight landed on Wednesday at Baku’s Heydar Aliyev International Airport, officials said. 

Earlier this month, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) had announced to start its direct flight operation for Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan from March 16.

"Today a major milestone was achieved in bilateral relations of Pakistan and Azerbaijan with the landing of first direct flight of PIA at Bakue," said Pakistan embassy in Baku in a statement. 

The first flight was received by the Pakistan ambassador to Azerbaijan Bilal Hayee and Azerbaijani official, while PIA Chief Executive Air Marshal Arshad Malik, Secretary Aviation, and Azerbaijan ambassador to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov along with 160 passengers arrived in the first flight.

Upon arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, the plane was warmly welcomed and received a " water cannon salute"

"Heydar Aliyev Int’l Airport of #Azerbaijan received direct flight operated by @Official_PIA Inaugural ceremony was held to celebrate this historical moments in #Baku. Thanks to those who contributed to the launch of the direct flights btw 2 brotherly countries," Azerbaijan envoy Khazar Farhadov tweeted.

Pakistan ambassador to Azerbaijan Bilal Hayee called it an “historical day.”

"Water Gun Salute to first PIA flight landed today at Baku Airport. Historic day for the people of two countries. Thank you AZAL officials for arranging a great reception for the flight," he said.

The ceremony was also attended by an official of civil aviation of Azerbaijan, AZAL airline, and representatives of the Pakistani community.

"On the wings of perseverance, commitment #PIA launched its inaugural flight to@Azerbaijan,appreciations are in order for HE Bilal, @PakinAzerbaijan @k_farhadov, I ensure that we shall offer direct cost effective & the best to all travellers to and from Kchi, Lahore & Baku," said Air Marshal Arshad Malik.

 PIA will operate two regular direct flights from the country’s southern port city Karachi and Lahore to Baku.

While, Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) is also planning to launch direct flights from Baku to Lahore.

“I am very happy to learn that Pakistan and Azerbaijan commenced direct flights and it will help us to reach within a few hours from Pakistan to Azerbaijan,” Habib, a Pakistani student said. 

However, he demanded that PIA and AZAL should also include a weekly flight from Islamabad as well.