PIA to acquire eight new aircraft by 2013

Airbuses will lead to massive savings in fuel cost, says airline MD.

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (PIA) for the first time will be inducting Airbuses in its fleet by purchasing eight new aircraft early next year.

Managing Director PIA, M Junaid Yunus told Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Wednesday that PIA is acquiring the first Airbus in February 2013 followed by four more in March 2013 and three in the second half of 2013.

He claimed that these narrow body aircraft will be fuel efficient and lead to massive savings in fuel cost which presently constitute 55 per cent of the total revenue earned by the airline.

PM Ashraf was briefed on measures taken by the new management of PIA to improve operations of the company at the PM house this afternoon.

According to sources, the premier directed the corporation that all grey areas must be addressed and economic viability of PIA be ensured.

Ashraf asked PIA to consider the feasibility of running more flights to Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.

Yunus informed the prime minister that a business plan of the corporation is being firmed up with more emphasis on facilitating passengers so that business can be attracted.

He said that PIA will also start flights from Quetta to Kandahar from December 25 this year.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 29^th, 2012.