ISLAMABAD: State Minister for Defence Sardar Salim Haider on Tuesday informed the Senate that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Board of Director has approved a fleet replacement plan (2020) under which new aircrafts would be inducted to make the national flag carrier a profitable organization.
Replying to various questions during Question Hour, he said that the plan was envisaged for replacement if aging fleet of B747, B737-300 and A310 and to the existing and future capacity deficit.
He also conceded that the old aircrafts consumed more fuel as compare to new one and maximum budget of PIA was being spent on fuel. Salaries of the employees were only 18 per cent of total budget of the airlines, he added.
To a question he said that the Prime Minister was the final authority to approve the business plan.
He said that PIA has also signed an agreement with M/s Boeing Company for purchase of five Boeing 777-300 ER on February 14 and these aircrafts would be delivered in 2015.
The minister said that it was also decided to induct nine Boeing aircraft on dry lease to improve its efficiency and to conduct Hajj operation 2012 in an efficient and orderly manner.
To another question, Salim Haider said that all essential and mandatory equipments were installed in PIA fleet for operation on existing network. However, B747s were not equipped with sophisticated navigation system and were unable to comply with the arrival/departure procedures at Dubai and European destinations.
To a question, the minister said that Shaheen Air International and Airblue, private sector airlines were currently operating their flights on domestic and international routes.
He said that a total of 753 officers and 1837 officials have been appointed in PIA since 2008 and currently there was complete ban on new recruitment.
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