National airline revival: PIA to induct 10 new generation aircraft

Board of Directors conducted an analysis of passenger traffic and IATA figures.

ISLAMABAD: The Board of Directors of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has decided to induct 10 new generation aircraft on a priority basis.

According to a statement issued by Public Relations Department of PIA, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Aviation Shujaat Azeem and PIA’s newly constituted Board of Directors have conducted a critical analysis of passenger traffic over the last five years as well as projected figures from International Air Transport Association (IATA) and local aviation advisers. Based on this analysis, they have decided to induct ten new aircraft.



The step will facilitate domestic flights that have been put into jeopardy for a very long time due to non-availability of narrow body aircraft and bringing down fuel costs by 28-30%, improving the flight schedule of the airline.  PIA plans to increase frequency of its profitable routes while the loss making routes will be reviewed.

Shujaat Azeem has said, “All efforts are being made for the revival of PIA and the biggest challenge being confronted right now is to make it a profitable airline.”

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) in the first phase has approved a bailout package of Rs7 billion for the national flag carrier.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 15^th, 2013.