Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar said on Saturday that PIA had launched new routes to some international destinations during the current year. He was speaking at the inauguration of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Apna Ghar Scheme for lower grade employees of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), earlier performed by President Asif Ali Zardari.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira, Labour Minister Syed Khursheed Shah, ministers and advisors were also present on the occasion. He said that PIA had also enhanced seating capacity at some important international routes to provide more facilities to people and passengers.
He said that for the first time in last four years, PIA has posted an operating profit during 2009 due to reduced expenses and improved efficiency. He said that 1900 apartments would be constructed over 10 acres of land in next two years to provide residential facilities to PIA employees specially female workers.
He urged President Zardari to accord approval to PIA's business plan for raising its fleet to meet rising demand from passengers. Labour Minister Khursheed Shah said that Pakistan has 60 million workers and PPP talks of their rights. "We are striving to provide them food, clothing and shelter as promised by Benazir Bhutto and Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto," he added.
Managing Director PIA, Captain Ejaz Haroon said that the airline had earned an operating profit of Rs 3 billion during 2009. During 2009, PIA's revenues surged to Rs 80 billion and were expected to reach Rs 100 billion mark during 2010, showing a growth of 25 percent, he added. He said that the seat factor was estimated at 76 percent during 2010, which is a remarkable achievement during the prevailing tough competition around the world.
Talking of the business plan for PIA, Ejaz said the board had accorded approval to the plan and now it was awaiting the nod of the Cabinet and the President. He urged President Zardari to allow PIA to adjust 3000 daily wages workers against the retiring employees.