Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is providing all out facilities to the exporters, particularly exporters of perishable goods, and airlifted 48,000 tonnes of goods during last year.
This was stated by PIA Cargo General Manager Shahid Rafiq, while addressing the exporters in Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday. The meeting was chaired by Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) Central Chairman Khwaja Muhammad Yousaf.
He said the PIA did not increase the cargo freight rate on the assurance of the government to compensate the airlines. But the government did not fulfil its commitment and the PIA had to incur losses. "Now we are negotiating with the Export Development Bureau for the settlement of freight of exportable," he said. Shahid Rafiq hinted at increasing the freight for mango and citrus fruits.
He said the PIA had introduced Pakistani fruits in abroad and helped the exporters explore new markets.
Commenting on the complaints about offloading the goods of Multan exporters at Karachi and Lahore and not providing them sufficient space, Shahid Rafiq assured them that wilful negligence would not be tolerated and "we would try our best to provide them maximum facilities."
Exporters demanded that maximum space be provided in Lahore for London and other destination because they would have to pay more for transportation of their goods to Karachi.
Khwaja Yousaf drew his attention towards the attitude of the PIA staff at foreign airports, and alleged that they kept the holders of discounted ticket at tail.
After completion of other passengers, they issue boarding cards to the concession or discounted ticket holders.
He suggested that PIA should grant free tickets to the exporters, who provided business of millions of rupees. He also suggested that PIA should patronise the smaller cargo agents and exporters of small cities like Multan. He said that export by air could be multiplied if PIA provided maximum facilities to them.
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