The NA’s standing committee of defence was also informed about induction of new aircraft into the airline fleet by March-April next year. – Fila Photo by AFP

ISLAMABAD: The accumulative loss of national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has exceeded to Rs 100 billion, it was informed at a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence here in the Parliament House on Friday.

The meeting, chaired by MNA Nawab Abdul Ghani Talpur, was also told that new aircraft will be included in the PIA during March- April, 2012.

The committee was apprised on the overall working of PIA and Haj operation and was informed that pilgrims were treated as international passengers and the waiting time at airport for traveling to Saudi Arabia was reduced to six hours this year.

PIA also presented an appreciation certificate given to them by CAA of Saudi Arabia on their performance during Haj 2011.

It was admitted that there was lot of room for improvement yet all that was portrayed in media was not true.

The managing director of PIA apologised for his statement reported in the media that “Pilgrims should be thankful for traveling in aircraft rather on camels.”

The committee members stressed that negotiation with Saudi Arabia should be started now for making better arrangements for next Haj season.

PIA was also asked about the implementation status of previous recommendations of the committee.

The members stressed for results and it was decided that another meeting of the standing committee will be convened on December 23, in which the secretary of Defence and managing director of PIA will submit a performance report.