In a move to ensure transparency in the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the Privatization Commission has provided a detailed briefing to the four companies involved in the bidding process regarding the airline’s latest operational and financial status.
📊 Operational Data and Financials
🗓️ Bidding Timeline
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According to sources, the bidding for the national airline is expected to take place between December 10 and 15.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already mandated that all privatization stages must be completed with the utmost transparency.
✈️ Fleet and Routes
Bidders were provided with key facts about PIA’s operational structure:
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Fleet: PIA owns 34 aircraft, but only 18 aircraft are currently operational.
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Flights: The airline operates a total of 70 daily flights, consisting of 45 international and 25 domestic flights.
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Routes: PIA is currently operating on 18 international routes and 13 domestic routes. Flights to London and Birmingham are also expected to resume soon.
💼 Income and Workforce
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Revenue: In the six-month period from January to June 2025, the national airline generated a revenue of 112 billion Pakistani Rupees.
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Employees: PIA has a total workforce of 9,500 employees, including 6,500 permanent and 3,000 contract and daily wage employees.
❓ Uncertainty Over Employee Future
A major area of concern remains the fate of the airline’s workforce. Sources suggest that the interested buying companies have not yet finalized their decisions regarding the future of PIA’s employees. The government intends to sell between 51 to 100 percent of the airline’s shares, signifying a potential full transfer of control to the private sector.
