KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines Company Limited’s (PIACL) revenue increased by 7 per cent to Rs23.5 billion in the first quarter of 2018 after initiating ‘V1 Project’ first phase for the revival of the airline, PIA President and CEO Musharraf Rasool Cyan said while chairing a meeting here on Monday.
Federal Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs and Aviation Abdullah Hussain Haroon, who was also heading the meeting, said that PIA’s revival is essential for the nation’s development and the efforts of present management in improving the performance are appreciable.
Musharraf Rasool briefed the minister regarding the actions taken to improve PIA. Aviation Secretary and Acting Chairman Dr Ijaz Munir, Members of Board of Directors; Atif Bajwa, Naveed Malik and Haq Nawaz were also present in the meeting.
While giving the presentation, Musharraf Rasool apprised the meeting that the initial phase concerning the revival “V1 project” went very well and now the airline is ready for the second phase of its revival strategy. He said there has been an increase of 7 per cent in airline revenue in the first quarter of 2018 compared with corresponding period of 2017. It generated Rs23.5 billion, an increase of Rs1.6 billion.
Musharraf said that increase in revenue was achieved due to complete refurbishment of aircraft, increase in flight punctuality and regularity, aggressive promotional strategy and changing behaviours of front end staff which were the salient features of first phase ”V1”.
The federal minister was also briefed about the airline’s Business Plan which included aggressive sales and marketing initiatives, product development such as cabin refurbishment and food quality improvement among other initiatives being taken for the betterment of the airline.
Abdullah Hussain Haroon appreciated the efforts made by PIA management and assured them of every possible help in bringing improvements. He also emphasized upon management to make travel comfortable and convenient for the public.