Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to undergo significant changes after its purchase by the Arif Habib Group. In an exclusive interview with Geo News, Arif Habib, the chairman of the group, revealed that he had expected the bidding to reach up to Rs. 130 billion.
“We have the capability to revive PIA,” Habib said during the interview. “We are open to including an international airline in the next phase, and we have already had preliminary discussions with some local airlines.” The group purchased PIA for Rs. 135 billion and has emphasized the need to acquire 100% shares, with Habib estimating that the bidding would reach up to Rs. 130 billion.
Habib also highlighted the importance of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage and the potential for Pakistan International Airlines to tap into the growing demand for flights to these destinations. He also expressed his confidence in the existing and new staff of the airline, stating that they would work together to achieve better performance. “We have good professionals on board with good experience,” he said. “We have the opportunity to win the trust of the existing team, which was not possible earlier.”
The Arif Habib Group has expressed its commitment to working with the existing team and has invited the Laki Group to collaborate on the national airline’s revival. Habib also emphasized the importance of restoring the glory of Pakistan International Airlines, citing the success of Pakistani professionals in establishing airlines in other countries.
The group has also revealed plans to revamp the airline’s operations, including the introduction of new aircraft and the improvement of customer service. With the Arif Habib Group at the helm, Pakistan International Airlines is poised to make a comeback as a leading airline in the region.
