Pak Minister directs PIA management to develop restoration plan for airlines

Islamabad [Pakistan], Jan. 22 (ANI): Pakistan's Federal Minister for Planning and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal has said directed Pakistan International Airlines's (PIA) senior management to develop a comprehensive two-year plan for its restoration by January 26. He claimed that 2017 would be the year of the restoration of the PIA. Ahsan Iqbal chaired a meeting on special committee formed by Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) to supervise reforms of PIA. The meeting was attended by Minister of Privitisation Commission Ahsan Iqbal, SAPM Haroon and Tariq Bajwa. Secretary Civil Aviation Authority made the presentation before the Committee. Iqbal said a clear and shared vision, strict adherence to merit, focusing on human resource development, accountability, focus on core functions and customer service are essential elements to make PIA, a world class airline. He said it's the last hance for employees and management to fix and turn around PIA because the airlines can't be allowed to become another steel mill. "The airline has strongest fundamentals yet it has become a loss making machine due to under management and politicisation in the past," he said. The Minister said without clear road map and business model no effort will succeed. Iqbal said that accountability at all levels should be made compulsory and performance be measured continuously, adding that tangible outcomes are required and there is need of 'Fleet to Service' master plan. He said a comprehensive plan of two years should be made, and initial plan should be presented by senior management by 26th January, so that it can be present to the Prime Minister. Iqbal stressed that the PIA can't be run as a government department. The Minister said that loss making routes will be given attention, more aircrafts will be added. He asserted that customers should be brought back by better quality of service, punctuality and reliability. (ANI)