PM’s return delayed; special aircraft returns to Paris after developing problem
PARIS, France May 6 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani’s special aircraft Pak-II returned to Paris after developing a mid-air problem in its auto pilot system, 15 minutes after take off for Islamabad. Prime Minister Gilani who was here on a three-day official visit had left for home at around 10:30 pm from Orly airport. The special configuration Airbus A 310-300 type aircraft, currently being operated by the Pakistan Air Force for VVIP flights hit air turbulence minutes after take off, and its auto-pilot system also failed to engage.
The Pakistan-II began to sway from side to side as it was close to Zurich.The pilots were however soon able to manually control the aircraft and decided to return. The aircraft burned extra fuel for around an hour and a half, as a safety precaution and made a perfect landing at the Orly.
The airport that is closed for all air traffic from 11 at night to 6 in the morning made special arrangements for the landing of the VVIP aircraft.
The delegation returned to the hotel and would be returning home by a regular PIA flight from Paris Friday evening. Prime Minister Gilani  was earlier scheduled to return home Friday evening. The plans, however were changed and the Prime Minister opted to return at the end of his official engagements on Thursday.
According to the spokesman of the Prime Minister the aircraft could have made it back to Islamabad as it was able to fly smoothly after the initial trouble. However keeping in view the VVIP nature of the flight, and the eight hours long flight duration, it was decided not to take any risks.