PIA to stay and turn around, says Chairman PIA

11 Jul, 2013

ISLAMABAD: Chairman PIA Mr. Aslam Khaliq has said that PIA is here to stay and the Board of Directors with the help of its employees will Insha Allah make the turn around possible. This was stated on the occasion of first meeting of newly appointed Board of Directors.

Advisor to Prime Minister on Aviation Capt. Shujaat Azeem also attended the meeting on special invitation and gave a presentation to the board on the way forward and said that PIA will be inducting new generation dry lease aircraft very soon.

Mr. Khaliq said that airline is going through a very difficult period however, PIA's human resources are the most experienced in the aviation industry of Pakistan, but there is an urgent need to restructure PIA in every sphere, particularly the customer's services, and on time performance which needs lot of attention because good quality of service is the key to success. The Board on its part will help in inducting new generation fuel efficient narrow body aircraft to the fleet which are required for more than 80% of the routes. Induction of these new generation aircraft on dry lease will also help in improving image of PIA, bringing back customers' confidence; enhance employee morale besides increasing seat factor, through introducing better marketing products and these will all result in revenue enhancement.

The board took the unusual step of immediately abolishing all privileges of the present and previous board members. It was felt by the new board that PIA is in dire financial health and as such in its very first meeting it would send a right signal to all PIA employees and they also need to realize the grave financial health of PIA.

Acting Chairman and CEO PIA announced that he would work for PIA without any emoluments.

The board also proposed to abolish free travel facility both international and domestic allowed to its Members which will set a good precedence.

The meeting was attended by Mian Muhammad Mansha, Mr. Arif Habib, Mr. Naseer NS Jafer, Malik Nazir Ahmed, Mr. Yousaf Waqar, Capt. (Retd) Muhammad Ali Gardezi, Dr. Waqar Masood Khan, Mr. Sarfraz A Rehman and Managing Director PIA, Muhammad Junaid Yunus.

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