THIS refers to the report ‘Experts’ team arrives today to devise viable model for PIA’ (Feb 22). PIA was once a great organisation that helped set up other airlines, but has now been seriously ailing and looking for outside expertise.

The government has now engaged foreign consultants for operational/financial restructuring of PIA and to develop a viable business plan after the failure of its management to halt the slide and to turn the organisation around.

The operational and financial health of the airline has deteriorated over the past two years, forcing the government to hire external experts to save the airline from collapse.

The financial haemorrhaging has accelerated with the liabilities at a historic high and the national carrier has become dependent on government bailouts and cannot survive without its financial support.

PIA’s current plight is not surprising as it has avoided taking innovative corrective measures that airlines around the world have implemented. While privately-owned airlines in Pakistan are running successfully and earning profits, there is no reason why PIA cannot be run profitably under a professionally strong and experienced team.

The airline needs to be run by competent hands having relevant aviation background rather than by bureaucrats or those in uniform with no commercial acumen.

The appointment of foreign consultants can be seen as a last-ditch effort to rescue PIA, but at the same time it indicates the government’s lack of confidence in the ability of its present management to deliver.

Arif Majeed
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2021