PIA finalizes plan to broaden flight operation to EU

LAHORE – Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is making a plan to expand its international flight operation, adding more aircraft to its fleet.

The expansion plan was confirmed by an airline official who elaborated that the European Union is expected to lift the ban on airline in the future which would help the carrier expand its network.

During a meeting with travel agents, PIA’s Chief Commercial Officer Nausherwan Adil said that flight operations to Europe will resume immediately after lifting the ban by the EU. Moreover, he clarified that likewise, the flight operation to the UK will also resume sooner.

In this regard, the CCO applauded the role of travel agents by mentioning their support with the airline in tough conditions. 

The national carrier is expected to receive clearance from the International Aviation Safety Assessment in May, and flight operation to Paris is planned to start by June. 

While speaking to the group of the Council of Economic and Energy Journalists, PIA Chairman Abdullah Hafiz revealed that the flight operation to the UK is expected to resume by August. He also mentioned that the airline is currently involved with the maintenance and overhaul process to prepare for the European and British routes.

While the carrier plans for expansion, the Pakistani government is stepping ahead to privatize its perennially loss-making state-owned airline by June this year. A consultant was also hired by the government who had submitted a comprehensive report in this regard. Earlier, the Privatisation Commission called for expressions of interest (EOI) to obtain 51-100% of the share capital and management control of the airline.

Though the privatization is under process, a dispute between the airline and an Indonesian firm was resolved and PIA managed to get back two of its aircraft after rounds of negotiations

PIA has been facing a severe financial crisis for decades, including overstaffing and global competition, which compelled lawmakers to find a solution by privatizing the airline.