RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has decided to introduce a voluntary separation scheme (VSS) for its employees which the airline claims will save Rs4.7 billion and benefit more than 2,700 workers.

According to sources, the scheme is part of restructuring of the airline and the PIA management prepared a summary in this regard in July setting a target of September/October 2020 for its approval. However, the plan could not be materialised due to some objections raised by the aviation secretary.

About 2,700 to 3,000 employees will get benefit from the VSS. The scheme will be launched after its approval by the PIA board, Economic Coordination Committee and finally the federal cabinet.

It will be a one-time opportunity and after the option period of 14 days ends, no VSS request from the employees would be accepted or considered. All regular PIA employees under the age of 60 will be eligible for the scheme.

A spokesman for the PIA said: “It is part of PIA’s restructuring. We are trying to adhere to restructuring of the airline which will benefit the workers.”

He further said that approval would take 14 days for the applications submitted by the workers for availing the scheme. The restructuring of the airline would be completed by the end of this year, he added.

Published in Dawn, October 9th, 2020