PIA CEO claims 41% jump in revenue in six months

Says improvement comes due to corrective measures of government

KARACHI: The revenue of the national flag carrier has increased 41% during the last six months, said Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Arshad Mahmood Malik.

Addressing a gathering of industrialists, at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) on Monday, he said that due to the government’s corrective measures financial performance of the airline has improved. “Two new aircrafts would be added to the fleet by next month and three more aircrafts would be added by next year.”

PIA has opened its flight to Toronto and the number of flights for Dubai will be increased soon, he added. The CEO shared that they are undertaking several measures, which would improve cargo and other services, and cooperation from the business community would be needed in this regard.

The airline has also signed a memorandum of understanding according to which it will establish special counters for the business community and offer discounts on passenger services fees of 5% for domestic and 7% for international flights. The official added that 12 Boeing 777 aircraft were operational in the fleet and nearly 80% improvement in cargo handling has also helped the airline reduce losses.

Speaking on the occasion KATI Patron-in-Chief SM Muneer said that despite improvement in PIA’s performance a lot was still required.

He suggested that in order to improve cargo handling an effective marketing strategy should be undertaken. 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2019.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.