AS part of moving its head offices to Islamabad, the management of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is planning to curtail expenses incurred under the head of medical facilities which is considered a huge financial burden on the airline’s revenue stream.

While the management is also considering rationalising air passage facility extended to its employees, it overlooks a problem that exerts a massive burden on the airline’s revenues. There are some government institutions which are availing a hefty 50 per cent rebated air tickets on any sector/route flown by the national flag carrier. Besides, these 50pc rebated tickets are always confirmed seats on any intended flight when PIA’s own employees cannot get a confirmed seat.

The airline keeps a complete record of tickets availed by its employees, but is not allowed to keep a record of tickets issued to members of these institutions or the identity of those availing these tickets.

The PIA management can surely curtail a huge financial burden if it rationalises or does away with this facility extended to different government institutions. It is more justified because no other Pakistani airline offers any such facility to anyone.

Abid Mahmud Ansari
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2021