ISLAMABAD: On arrival of 8th Airbus A-320, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Aviation Affairs, Shujaat Azeem said that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will induct 10 more narrow body Airbuses and five ATR aircraft by the end of December, 2014.
While talking to media during his visit to Benazir International Airport, the induction of more aeroplanes in PIA would help boost its performance and generate more revenue. Present government was taking concrete steps to improve the performance of PIA and checking annual loss.
PIA received delivery of its third A-320 aircraft acquired on long term Dry Lease from General Electric.
Shujaat Azeem said that annual loss had reduced to Rs. 18 billion from Rs 31.5 billion during previous year. He said that PIA was paying Rs. 3.29 billion interest on legacy loans that were taken in 1992.
He said that government would soon introduce new Aviation Policy. The government is committed to remove corruption from the institution, he added.
PM’s Advisor said that PIA has 25 operational Airbuses and 11 ATR planes at present and improving the number would also overcome its financial issues.
To a question, he said that Boeing 747 and Airbus A310 aircraft would be grounded after completion of Hajj operation as these are extra-fuel consumer, saying that 84pc traffic of PIA was operating on short medium routes.
He said that after the Karachi airport attack, the Prime Minister had issued Rs. 5.7 billion to improve security situation at all the airports.
The Chairman PIA, Nasir Jafar was also present on the occasion. He said that he had full confidence in PIA employees and hoped that with the collective efforts of airlines’ employees and the support of Government of Pakistan PIA will soon be able to bring efficiency and on time performance.
