DAVOS 2026: UK’s Menzies Aviation eyes expansion in Pakistan amid privatisation push

Global aviation services provider Menzies Aviation has expressed a strong interest in expanding its footprint in Pakistan.

The development came during Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Hassan El Houry, Chairperson of Menzies Aviation, in Davos on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, to discuss opportunities for enhancing cooperation in the aviation sector.

The meeting focused on improving airport services, operational efficiency, and exploring investment opportunities aligned with Pakistan’s reform and privatisation agenda.

Aurangzeb briefed El Houry on the government’s privatisation plans, including progress related to Pakistan International Airlines, and outlined plans to outsource operations at major airports, including Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.

He noted that Pakistan’s economy was moving in a positive direction, creating a conducive environment for private sector investment and international partnerships.

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Hassan El Houry briefed the finance minister on Menzies Aviation’s global operations and experience in delivering aviation services worldwide.

He identified Pakistan as a promising destination for aviation-related business and investment, highlighted Sialkot’s strategic importance in aviation and logistics, and expressed Menzies Aviation’s interest in continuing and expanding its engagement with Pakistan.

Both sides also discussed ways to enhance airport service quality and improve the overall passenger experience.

The UK-based Menzies Aviation is a leading global aviation services company providing essential services to airlines at over 350 airports in over 60 countries.

The meetings concluded on a positive note, with the finance minister and his interlocutors reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation, deepening partnerships, and advancing mutually beneficial economic and investment initiatives in support of Pakistan’s sustainable growth and development.

Aurangzeb held a series of important meetings in Davos on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, focusing on advancing Pakistan’s economic reform agenda, strengthening international partnerships, and promoting investment-led growth.

PM arrives in Davos

The finance minister met with Masato Kanda, President of the Asian Development Bank, to review Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms and discuss ways to further deepen the long-standing partnership between Pakistan and ADB.

During the meeting, the ADB President noted that Pakistan was entering a significant phase of economic transformation, with renewed momentum in reforms and growing confidence in the market.

“He highlighted ADB’s strong and expanding engagement in Pakistan and expressed optimism about the country’s economic direction, underscoring ADB’s commitment to supporting Pakistan through a close and forward-looking partnership,” read the statement.

Aurangzeb thanked the ADB President for his continued support and guidance, noting that Pakistan’s relationship with ADB had entered a new and more strategic phase.

The finance minister briefed the ADB President on progress in structural reforms, particularly the government’s renewed focus on privatisation and private sector participation.

He noted that recent initiatives had generated strong market interest and helped establish important benchmarks, with additional projects in the pipeline across multiple sectors.

Aurangzeb emphasised the importance of continued collaboration with development partners, including ADB, to support these reforms and unlock Pakistan’s growth potential.

Discussions also covered efforts to modernise Pakistan’s energy sector and advance sustainable and clean energy solutions.

The finance minister highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving efficiency, strengthening systems, and supporting long-term economic sustainability.

Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination to identify practical solutions that support inclusive and durable growth.