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

Qatar Airways Adds Direct Toronto-Amritsar Flights with Stopover in Doha

Qatar Airways has made travel easier for passengers by announcing a new three-weekly non-stop service between Toronto, Canada, and Doha, Qatar, starting on December 11, 2024.

This new route provides seamless connectivity for travelers heading to Amritsar, offering a convenient alternative for the Punjabi diaspora in Toronto who wish to avoid the hassles of transiting through Delhi airport.

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In a joint press release, Anantdeep Singh Dhillon, FlyAmritsar Initiative North America Convener, and Sameep Singh Gumtala, Global Convener, highlighted that this new route addresses the long-standing demand for better travel options to Punjab.

With this service, Amritsar will now have ten weekly flights to Canada via Doha, making the journey simpler and more comfortable for travelers who previously had to deal with long road trips, multiple layovers, and extended check-ins.

Flight Schedule and Connectivity

The qatar air line from Amritsar will depart at 4:10 a.m. (local time) and arrive in Doha at 6:05 a.m. (local time). After a layover of 3 hours and 45 minutes, passengers will board the qatar airways flight from Doha to Toronto at 9:50 a.m. (local time) on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, landing in Toronto the same day at 3:55 p.m. (local time).

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On the return journey, the qatar airlines will depart from Toronto at 8:00 p.m. (local time) and arrive in Doha at 4:30 p.m. (local time) the following day. From there, passengers will catch the connecting flight to Amritsar at 8:40 p.m. (local time), reaching their destination by 2:40 a.m. (local time). The total travel time qatar seatmap for the journey is approximately 20 hours and 10 minutes.

This new route is a significant relief for travelers who have often faced the challenges of long road journeys to Delhi, lengthy layovers, and multiple check-ins. By streamlining the travel process, qatar Airways ensures a smoother and faster journey, enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers traveling between Canada and Punjab.