PIA closed down non-profitable routes like Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Hong Kong and Bangkok. It also closed its offline offices in Chicago, Sydney, Istanbul to reduce losses. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is desperately looking to get back in the game, inducting another two aircraft that takes its fleet to a total of 37 operational planes, more than twice as many as they were two years ago.
One of the two planes the national carrier got earlier this month, an Airbus A-320, became operational from Monday.
The other plane, a Boeing-777, will join the fleet later this week, once it is enriched with the PIA logo and formalities are complete, an official of PIA told reporters on Monday.
After the induction, PIA’s fleet would comprise two 777s, three 773s, four 772s, two A-310s, three A-31Ls, 10 A-320s, five ATR-72s and six ATR-42s.
The official said the management is planning to acquire more planes on dry lease, hoping to take the fleet to 40 by the end of the current year and 50 by the end of 2016.
With the induction, the average fleet age of 14 years in 2013 is projected to come down to nine years by end of 2015. PIA says once more fuel efficient aircraft join the fleet, it would not only reduce the operational cost, but reduce average fleet age bringing it at par with some of the leading international airlines in the world.
The official claimed that there has been a lot of criticism on the government’s focus on aviation related matters and the appointment of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Aviation, Captain Shujaat Azeem, but facts are contrary to what is being portrayed in the media.
Sharing the details of achievements made by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and PIA since the new management took over two years ago, the official said the National Aviation Policy 2015 came earlier this year after a lapse of 15 years. The new policy is being implemented with focus on safety, security and quality standards and encourages investment in the ailing aviation sector.
The lingering project of Multan Airport was completed on March 9, 2015 with addition facilities like terminal building, allied, airside infrastructure and passenger boarding bridges.
Benazir Bhutto International Airport Islamabad has been renovated with fast track facility for passengers, new washrooms, new business lounge, new car park and taxi track delta, which will save millions every year, added the official.
He said the Hajj lounge at Lahore airport has been renovated, while work on the up gradation of Faisalabad airport has also been started.
“Work on upgrading Quetta international airport has begun which includes expansion of domestic and international briefing areas/lounges, construction of new public concourse hall with allied facilities, renovation of existing terminal building and provision of Passenger Boarding Bridges,” said the official.
PIA’s losses reduced by 37% in FY2014-15 and its revenue increased by 6%. Without legacy loans, PIA is set to achieve a break even, the official added.
PIA closed down non-profitable routes like Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Hong Kong and Bangkok. It also closed its offline offices as in Chicago, Sydney, Istanbul to reduce losses.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 17th, 2015.
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