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ISLAMABAD: The government has moved a step closer to privatising its national flag carrier as four domestic and foreign companies have pre-qualified to bid for a 75% stake in Pakistan International Airlines. An official statement issued here on Thursday confirmed that the buyer will be required to retain PIA’s name, branding and national identity even after the transaction.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad to review the progress of the privatisation process, future expansion plans and the airline’s financial restructuring. He instructed that the entire process be completed swiftly, transparently and according to prescribed rules to ensure PIA’s long-term operational and financial sustainability.
The meeting was informed that the four pre-qualified bidders will participate in the upcoming auction, after which the transfer of shares will begin. Authorities assured the prime minister that PIA’s brand, logo and national colours would not be altered following privatisation.
Officials briefed the meeting on the airline’s long-term business plan, which includes expanding the number of operational aircraft from the current 18 to 38 by 2029. The expansion is aimed at improving fleet efficiency, restoring suspended international routes and adding new destinations abroad.
PIA is currently operating flights to more than 30 cities across the country. Under the proposed strategy, the domestic network will be expanded to over 40 cities by 2029. The prime minister directed the aviation authorities to ensure an increase in serviceable aircraft and take concrete steps to improve on-time departures.
The government maintains that privatisation will lead to fresh capital injections, induction of modern aircraft and stronger corporate governance, enabling PIA to transform into a competitive and financially healthy airline once again.
