The implementation of 'fly smart' program introduced in Pakistan International Airlines by Pakistan Airline Pilots' Association (PALPA) would result in a saving of Rs 19 billion annually. In addition to assistance in co-branding; in-flight entertainment (IFE) up-gradation in order to have extra revenue; and allowance of direct routes and domestic flights would result in a further saving of Rs 2.5 billion annually.
This was stated by newly elected President of PALPA, Captain Amir Hashmi and members of the executive committee while assuring Association's full support to Shujat Azeem, Prime Minister's special assistant on aviation. "The body will keep on co-operating with him to take the national airline to greater heights." In a meeting with Shujat Azeem, PALPA office-bearers praised his untiring efforts so far to revive the national airline and expressed hope that it will soon be on its way to regain the lost glory.
President PALPA said that the advisor to PM is working in the right direction by making the government aware of core issues the national airline is facing since long. 'We are glad that the advisor helped the government realise that privatisation is not a viable solution for the ills of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA),' Captain Amir said. Now, he said, the government should protect the national asset as thousands of families are associated with it. 'We are there to support all good initiatives of the advisor and the government in this regard and we believe that revival of the national airline is possible under the current government,' he added.
He further said that the only way to achieve the lost glory of the national airline is to work collectively with dedication, and if all employees along with the management's and government's support in this regard work with this sole aim, no doubt the national airline will once again become a profitable entity.
Captain Amir said that PALPA has always helped the national airline to save precious revenue through measures highlighted above. 'The association's aim has always been to provide solutions for revenue enhancement and cost curtailment for PIA. With the same determination, we are always available for the betterment of our airline. And we are ready to help anybody in this regard,' he vowed.