Arif Habib Reveals Ambitious Plan to Make PIA Profitable Within a Year

Leading businessman Arif Habib has said Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) can become a profitable enterprise within its first year after privatization through better management, fleet expansion, and a stronger focus on commercially viable routes.

Speaking about the consortium’s plans for the national carrier, Habib said PIA currently operates a fleet of 19 aircraft, which is planned to expand to 60 aircraft over the next five years, more than tripling its size. He added that four to five grounded aircraft will be repaired and returned to service, while five additional aircraft are expected to join the fleet during the current year.

Habib said the expansion of the fleet would be accompanied by an increase in staffing levels to support future operations. He added that the airline would prioritize profitable domestic and international routes while investing in the modernization of PIA’s engineering and maintenance facilities in Karachi.

Commenting on the privatization transaction, Habib said payment for 66% of the shares has been completed, while the remaining 34% will be paid within one year under the terms of the agreement.

He also assured employees that no staff member will be laid off during the first year following privatization. Recruitment for senior management positions is currently underway and is expected to be completed within the next one to one-and-a-half months.

The government’s privatization of PIA marks one of Pakistan’s biggest state-owned enterprise reforms in recent years, with the new owners aiming to restore profitability after years of financial losses and operational challenges.