Air blues

Many would agree that the reputation of PIA is plummeting, with the possibility of a complete collapse.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which was once considered amongst the most prestigious international carriers, is struggling to maintain that image and quality of service today. Many would agree that the reputation of the airline is plummeting, with the possibility of a complete collapse not too far along. Over the last few years, we have heard more and more talk of poorly maintained planes, purchases made for the sake of kickbacks and, of course, the hiring of staff on the basis of nepotism Add to that, overstaffing has also tremendously burdened the national carrier.

The extent of the troubles it faces were made clear by Defence Minister Syed Naveed Qamar, who told the National Assembly in response to a query that 4,435 PIA flights were delayed during the first quarter of the current year. This works out to 35.76 per cent of the total number of flights which took to the skies, with a punctuality rate of just 64.33 per cent. These figures compare poorly against a punctuality rate of almost 100 per cent for the airlines rated the best in the world. The statistics put forward by the minister will not surprise regular PIA users who, by now, are accustomed to the helplessness of long waits at airports, with eyes fixed on information boards and the possibility of missed meetings or disrupted schedules if there are connecting flights to catch. The indifference of staff has been noted as another problem.

There is some slightly better news though: PIA still maintains a regularity rate of just over 95 per cent, indicating that most of its flights do eventually take off. This offers some glimpse of hope. Perhaps, it is still possible to save the airline, provided better managerial practices are put in place and a complete overhaul of procedures is carried out. There is no time to lose, for the mammoth task that lies ahead in order to save PIA might seem difficult but it is not impossible. What is essential is to stop the nosedive and get the airline flying along an even course again.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 9^th, 2012.