Airlines

Pakistan Steps to Privatizing PIA and Outsourcing Airports Under IMF Agreement

PIA's Pre-Privatization Plan: Selling Aircraft Spare Parts

According to the government’s announcement on Monday, Pakistan intends to privatize its loss-making national airline, Pakistan International Airlines, as well as attempt to outsource its airport operations as part of an IMF agreement.

The Cabinet Committee on Privatisation meeting, led by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, decided to privatize. Following a change to the law by the Parliament, the committee “decided to include Pakistan International Airlines Co. Ltd in the list of active privatization projects of the ongoing privatization programme,” according to a statement from the finance ministry.

Pakistan Boeing 777 aircraft returned to Islamabad by Malaysian authorities(Opens in a new browser tab)

The committee also supported hiring a financial advisor in addition to the significant decision to privatize the national airline. Dealing with the transaction of the Roosevelt Hotel, a New York-based asset owned by PIA Investment Limited, will be the advisor’s task.

In July 2023, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) authorized a $3 billion rescue plan for Pakistan. The international financial organization agreed to provide an immediate $1.2 billion payment to aid the nation’s ailing economy.

Pakistan International Airlines reduces Islamabad-Beijing fares by 30%(Opens in a new browser tab)

A day before the International Monetary Fund approved the distribution of $3 billion in bailout money, Saudi Arabia provided Pakistan with $2 billion in financial assistance.

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Related Topics:Pakistan international airlines

Airlines

Air India Rolls Out A350s for Delhi-New York JFK and Newark Routes

In a major development for North American travelers, Air India has announced the deployment of its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft on two key routes: Delhi to New York and Delhi to Newark.

The service on the Delhi-New York route will commence on November 1, 2024, while the Delhi-Newark route will see its inaugural flight on January 2, 2025.

The introduction of the air india a350 will bring significant enhancements to Air India’s offerings, particularly with the launch of its Premium Economy class. air india retrofit This new class will feature 24 wide seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, providing passengers with extra legroom and a more comfortable flying experience.

Soon, Air India aircraft will feature onboard WiFi & all-new cabins: Click here

“We are encouraged by the positive guest feedback we have received from the domestic deployment of our air india a350 interior to offer our hero product on the Delhi-New York JFK and Delhi-Newark routes. This is a significant leap forward for our U.S. operations that also underscores our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India.

The A350’s Business class will set new standards with 28 private suites, each equipped with full-flat beds, direct aisle access, and personal wardrobes. Economy class will be configured to accommodate 264 passengers in a 3-4-3 layout. Across all cabins, passengers will enjoy the latest Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system, offering over 2,200 hours of content.

Air India’s First A350-900: Interior, Routes, &Inflight Features: Click here

This strategic deployment marks a notable enhancement in Air India’s U.S. operations, with 60% of its flights to the U.S. now featuring new or upgraded cabin interiors. The air india new international routes currently operates 51 weekly flights to five U.S. destinations: New York JFK, Newark, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco.

The revamped cabins, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and improved service standards represent air india wifi commitment to providing a superior travel experience. “We believe this enhanced offering will solidify Air India’s position as a leading carrier and attract travellers seeking a world-class flying experience between India and the United States,” the airline stated.

Seats on these flights are now available for booking on Air India’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents, ensuring that passengers can easily plan their journeys on these newly upgraded routes.