In doldrums: Flag carrier’s management dispels corruption allegations
Managing director agrees to set up advisory committee.
LAHORE:
Engulfed in conspiracies, the national carrier has fallen victim to major financial and operational crisis. The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) management however, dispelled on Saturday all allegations of corruption and mismanagement, according to the airline’s spokesperson.
The federal government’s approval of the five-year business plan to turn the corporation around is a clear indication of the current management’s integrity and professional competence, the spokesperson said. The management is determined, to not only root out corruption but also, to turn the airline around keeping in view “correct business practices and official rules” of business to keep corrupt elements from finding an escape route.
The PIA management pointed out that the national carrier is coming under constant attack by those who have vested interests, and despite that, the PIA management continues to make efforts by presenting itself and explaining the situation not only to the elected organs of the state and the media, but also to representatives of the PIA employees.
Last week, the PIA management invited Palpa and representatives from various other associations, and after discussions with them, the PIA managing director decided to form an advisory committee in order to prevent corruption within the organisation.
The PIA management also asked them to point out corruption cases in the organisation so they could take proper legal action against anyone held responsible. However, the associations present during the discussion advised the management to defer the committee till the new elections to allow freshly-elected representatives to be part of the committee.
Regarding the two leased Boeing 747 aircraft, the spokesperson said they were acquired to supplement the fleet during the national carrier’s Hajj operations to ensure regular scheduled flights.
The two aircraft will cost $7.1 million. Although, so far, PIA has already earned through $6.5 million in revenue through the aircraft, and is expected to earn another$6.5 million, taking its total revenue up to $13 million till the finalisation of the lease period – which is December 15, 2011 for both planes.
PIA issued an international tender for engaging a fuel hedging consultant of international repute, however, only one person from Canada responded to the advertisement. PIA invited the respondent for a presentation on fuel hedging, to which the Canadian replied that he was preoccupied, the spokesperson concluded.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 20th, 2011.
Engulfed in conspiracies, the national carrier has fallen victim to major financial and operational crisis. The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) management however, dispelled on Saturday all allegations of corruption and mismanagement, according to the airline’s spokesperson.
The federal government’s approval of the five-year business plan to turn the corporation around is a clear indication of the current management’s integrity and professional competence, the spokesperson said. The management is determined, to not only root out corruption but also, to turn the airline around keeping in view “correct business practices and official rules” of business to keep corrupt elements from finding an escape route.
The PIA management pointed out that the national carrier is coming under constant attack by those who have vested interests, and despite that, the PIA management continues to make efforts by presenting itself and explaining the situation not only to the elected organs of the state and the media, but also to representatives of the PIA employees.
Last week, the PIA management invited Palpa and representatives from various other associations, and after discussions with them, the PIA managing director decided to form an advisory committee in order to prevent corruption within the organisation.
The PIA management also asked them to point out corruption cases in the organisation so they could take proper legal action against anyone held responsible. However, the associations present during the discussion advised the management to defer the committee till the new elections to allow freshly-elected representatives to be part of the committee.
Regarding the two leased Boeing 747 aircraft, the spokesperson said they were acquired to supplement the fleet during the national carrier’s Hajj operations to ensure regular scheduled flights.
The two aircraft will cost $7.1 million. Although, so far, PIA has already earned through $6.5 million in revenue through the aircraft, and is expected to earn another$6.5 million, taking its total revenue up to $13 million till the finalisation of the lease period – which is December 15, 2011 for both planes.
PIA issued an international tender for engaging a fuel hedging consultant of international repute, however, only one person from Canada responded to the advertisement. PIA invited the respondent for a presentation on fuel hedging, to which the Canadian replied that he was preoccupied, the spokesperson concluded.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 20th, 2011.