Govt to cap PIA’s losses

Published May 25, 2019
PIA is currently operating flights on 18 international routes including the UK, Italy, France, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, Oman, United Arab Emirates and Canada.
PIA is currently operating flights on 18 international routes including the UK, Italy, France, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, Oman, United Arab Emirates and Canada.

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Civil Aviation Division Ghulam Sarwar Khan on Friday said the government was working out a plan to reduce deficit of Rs416 billion of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) taking it out of the prevailing financial crisis.

He said a new business plan of PIA and Aviation approved by the cabinet would help the national flag carrier to improve its financial health.

Sarwar said that at present, Pakistan had Air Service Agreements (ASAs) with around 98 countries, covering aspects relating to the number of frequency, seats, landing points and code-share.

To a question, he said closure of airspace for Pakistan’s airline by India was more harmful for New Delhi.

We have only two flights using Indian airspace while most of the flights from India use Pakistan’s airspace, he added.

To another question, he said currently, PIA was operating its flights on 18 international routes including the UK, Italy, France, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Qatar, China, Malaysia, India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Thailand and Canada.

He said first flight of British Airways would land at Pakistan International Airport on Monday (June 3) morning while the same day the flight would depart for London.

The minister said British Airways would operate three flights in a week from June after interval of a decade.

The minister said the PIA aircrafts would bring back about 300 Pakistanis languishing in Malaysian jails on May 29.

The Pakistanis in Malaysia would be airlifted through PIA’s Boeing 777 and Overseas Pakistanis Foundation had signed an agreement with the PIA in this regard, he added.

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2019

Follow Dawn Business on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...