Renowned businessman Arif Habib, founder of the Arif Habib Group, is determined to make Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) profitable while protecting its employees. Speaking about the airline’s staff, Arif Habib stated that employees’ future would largely depend on their performance.
Arif Habib highlighted PIA’s natural advantages, including priority for Hajj and Umrah flights and a large base of overseas Pakistanis. He noted that 70 to 80 million overseas Pakistanis and their families frequently travel by air, providing a strong customer base for PIA.
Efforts will be made to encourage Pakistanis to choose PIA as their preferred airline for international travel.
The Arif Habib Consortium recently acquired a 75 percent stake in PIA after winning the privatization bid for Rs135 billion.
However, Arif Habib clarified that no final decision has been made regarding the purchase of the remaining 25 percent shares.
The consortium is currently focused on finalizing a business plan and consulting with international advisors to revive the airline.
“We now have a 90-day period to review all aspects before deciding on acquiring 100% ownership of PIA,” Arif Habib said.
During this time, the consortium will assess strategies for improving operational efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
Arif Habib also emphasized that the airline’s revival will be based on a structured approach, combining international expertise with the group’s local market knowledge.
The priority will be to ensure sustainable growth while protecting jobs and strengthening PIA’s competitive edge in both domestic and international markets.
Industry experts believe that under Arif Habib’s leadership, PIA could regain stability and improve its service quality.
The next three months will be crucial in determining whether the Arif Habib Consortium will acquire full ownership and set a new direction for the national carrier.
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