KARACHI, April 28: Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (PIAC) Chairman Tariq Kirmani on Thursday vowed to improve the profitability and services of the national carrier. Addressing the 48th Annual General Meeting of the PIAC shareholders, Kirmani said that high world oil prices and depreciation of the rupee by 3.5 per cent against the dollar were the factors for low profitability of the airline.

However, he noted that fleet modernization plan and marketing strategy had resulted in revenue increase.

He expressed his confidence in the management and the employees of the airline and assured that with the teamwork they would be able to meet the challenges faced by the aviation industry.

Reflecting on the year 2004, he said it was a year in which nine aircraft were acquired, which is testimony of the PIAC’s ability to increase both its passenger and freight capacity. New destinations were added and flight frequency increased to some points.—APP