PIA to buy 12 fuel efficient aircraft

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is in the process of adding 12 narrow body fuel efficient aircrafts to its fleet. This would enable the airline to offer better services to its customers, said PIA Managing Director (MD) Muhammad Junaid Yunus at PIA’s 56th Annual General Meeting held under the chairmanship of Hussain Lawai, member PIA Board of Directors. The MD said the new inductions would have savings with regard to fuel costs and maintenance costs, as presently the airline fuel cost is around 60% compared to the industry average of 35%. Yunus said the airline was in an urgent need to induct new aircrafts to its fleet to meet demand and add capacity. In his address, Lawai said the national carrier would soon be getting four new narrow body aircrafts on lease. “This would be from the national flag-carrier’s own resources,” he said. No further loans will be obtained, the seasoned banker said. Member Board Javed Akhter was also present at the occasion. PIA’s shareholders appreciated the present management’s role in maintaining airline operations with a fleet constraint and other factors affecting negatively, especially inconsistency and frequent change of management. They demanded consistency and continuity of management to implement their plan effectively to achieve desired results. Lawai said a complaint cell will be established with active participation of shareholders. Later, the shareholders approved the annual accounts for year 2012.