Shaheen Air International will add 15 more flights to its weekly operations from the UAE to destinations in Pakistan to cater to growing passenger demand.

The airline has changed its flight schedule to incorporate additional flights that come into effect from tomorrow, said Shafqat Ullah Khan, the airline's Dubai-based country manager.

He said the additions will take the total flights from six a week to 13 from Dubai; from four flights a week to 11 from Abu Dhabi; and two flights from Al Ain.

The airline has also acquired TU-154 aircraft to accommodate more passengers.

"It is a major operational expansion as we are experiencing more than 60 per cent growth in passenger demand," said the official.

The airline operates with all Economy Class configuration and currently flies to four Pakistani cities, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar, from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The flights from Al Ain go to Peshawar.

The airline has a growing domestic network as well, and flies to nearly all major Pakistani cities. It has not changed its existing fare structure but has launched a campaign to encourage travel agents to boost sales.

Appearing on Pakistan's air transportation scene in December 1993, the airline is owned by the Shaheen Foundation and Pakistan Air Force. Its Peshawar-Dubai flight in early 1995 was the airline's first overseas operation.