ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has partnered with rail service providers in the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada to offer seamless onward travel for its passengers, the recently privatized airline said on Tuesday, adding the move is aimed at improving convenience for its customers.

The move comes weeks after a Pakistani consortium, led by Arif Habib Group, clinched a 75 percent stake in PIA for Rs135 billion ($482 million) after a competitive bidding process, in a deal that valued the airline at Rs180 billion ($643 million).

The sale marked Pakistan’s most ambitious effort in decades to reform the debt-ridden airline that had accumulated over Rs784 billion ($2.8 billion) in losses. The government said it aimed to end decades of state-funded bailouts and support the airline’s revival.

The airline’s move to provide both air and train travel facility to passengers on a single ticket is aimed at attracting more customers by providing them improved facilities at their doorstep, according to the Pakistani carrier.

“The air-to-rail partnership is a major step toward building PIA’s network on digital and modern lines,” the airline said. “This facility will save passengers’ time.”

Passengers arriving in Toronto on PIA flights will be able to continue their journey to eight major cities in Canada through PIA’s partner rail service, according to the airline.

Passengers traveling to the UK cities of Manchester and London via PIA will be able to access more than 50 cities through rail service.

“PIA passengers can get tickets to their destination from all PIA booking offices and registered travel agents,” it said. “Tickets can also be booked via PIA’s official website and PIA’s mobile application.”