PIA union’s cost cutting proposal
Union leaders call for trying everything else before resorting to layoffs.
The government has decided to sell a 26% stake along with management control in the loss-ridden PIA. . PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI:
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) can save billions of rupees in reduced fuel cost by better aircraft turnaround time, controlling pilferage of unpaid luggage and cargo, decreasing weight and efficient utilisation of existing facilities, unions said on Friday.
A detailed report prepared by Joint Action Committee of PIA Employees (JACPIAE) on ways to bring down PIA’s losses was shared with journalists. The same report has already been submitted to the board of directors and the management.
“Most of the proposed measures have already been adopted by leading airlines across the world,” said an official, who worked on the report. “We could do the same. These are little things, which help bring big changes.”
The weight of the aircraft affects the quantity of fuel consumed during a flight, the official said. “Every PIA flight carries an extra 750 kilogrammes in the shape of a flight pack, which includes a spare tyre and few other things that have never been used. We follow outdated ways,” he added.
These changes, along with other proposals were never taken seriously by the management or other senior officials in the government, union officials said.
The government has decided to sell a 26% stake along with management control in the loss-ridden PIA.
A senior leader of JACPIA said that unions were even ready to take a cut in salaries, provided some sincere effort was visible by the management to fix PIA. “There are a lot of things that need to be done before it comes down to sacking employees.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 21st, 2013.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) can save billions of rupees in reduced fuel cost by better aircraft turnaround time, controlling pilferage of unpaid luggage and cargo, decreasing weight and efficient utilisation of existing facilities, unions said on Friday.
A detailed report prepared by Joint Action Committee of PIA Employees (JACPIAE) on ways to bring down PIA’s losses was shared with journalists. The same report has already been submitted to the board of directors and the management.
“Most of the proposed measures have already been adopted by leading airlines across the world,” said an official, who worked on the report. “We could do the same. These are little things, which help bring big changes.”
The weight of the aircraft affects the quantity of fuel consumed during a flight, the official said. “Every PIA flight carries an extra 750 kilogrammes in the shape of a flight pack, which includes a spare tyre and few other things that have never been used. We follow outdated ways,” he added.
These changes, along with other proposals were never taken seriously by the management or other senior officials in the government, union officials said.
The government has decided to sell a 26% stake along with management control in the loss-ridden PIA.
A senior leader of JACPIA said that unions were even ready to take a cut in salaries, provided some sincere effort was visible by the management to fix PIA. “There are a lot of things that need to be done before it comes down to sacking employees.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 21st, 2013.