PIA poised to broaden its reach globally
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is poised to broaden its reach, with plans to expand operations to the UK, Central Asia, and high-demand destinations across the Middle East. The airline aims to restore its presence in key international markets, as revealed by the airline’s top executive.
Air
Vice Marshal (AVM) Amir Hayat, CEO of PIA, confirmed this in an
interview with Khaleej Times.
He said the airline will reinstate
flights to high-traffic destinations across the Middle East and Central Asia.
“Following
the successful resumption of European flights, PIA is now focusing on further
expansion, particularly in the UK and Central Asia. In 2025, we plan to
reinstate key routes to the UK, Gulf, Middle East, and Central Asia, with a
particular focus on high-demand destinations,” Hayat said in an interview with Khaleej
Times.
He
also mentioned that the airline is exploring partnership opportunities to
broaden its network through code-share agreements and alliances, targeting
additional destinations in Africa, Europe, North America, and Central Asia.
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When
asked about the prospect of resuming flights to the United States, Hayat
emphasized its importance but noted the process will take time.
“Restoring
PIA’s presence in the United States is a priority. However, it involves
extensive regulatory approvals, particularly from the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) and the Transport Safety Administration (TSA),” he
explained. “We are working closely with aviation authorities to ensure full
compliance with international safety standards. While we cannot give a definitive
timeline, we are optimistic about achieving this goal soon.”
A Year of Transformation
AVM
Hayat highlighted 2024 as a pivotal year for PIA, marked by significant
operational restructuring and financial discipline.
“PIA’s
legacy as one of Asia’s pioneering airlines provides a strong foundation for
our revival,” he said. “With ongoing privatization and restructuring efforts,
the key to our resurgence lies in operational efficiency, financial
restructuring, and a focus on customer-centric policies. If these reforms are
sustained, PIA can reclaim its position as a leading carrier in the region.”
Hayat
pointed out that after 23 years, PIA achieved operational profitability in 2024
and has plans for overall profitability in the current year. The airline has
improved its on-time performance, optimized route profitability, and enhanced
customer service.
“Key
initiatives included cost-cutting measures, fleet optimization, and digital
transformation to enhance efficiency,” he added. “For 2025, our turnaround plan
is centered on three core pillars: Operational Excellence, Financial Stability,
and Enhancing Customer Experience and Flight Safety.”
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Path to Profitability
PIA’s
strategy for profitability includes route optimization, fleet modernization,
and exploring new revenue streams through cargo and ancillary services.
Hayat
also addressed the question of fleet expansion, stating that PIA has a
structured plan for fleet improvement. “We are considering the induction of
fuel-efficient, next-generation aircraft to enhance service quality and reduce
costs. However, this is dependent on how key initiatives in the privatisation
process are carried out.”
“We
are focusing on acquiring new wide-body and narrow-body jets suitable for
long-haul and regional routes,” he added. “This will not only improve passenger
comfort but also increase operational efficiency.”
Source: Khaleej Times