Airlines

PIA’s Financial Turmoil: Government Takes Steps Towards Privatization

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

A severe financial issue that has been impacting Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operations and services for years. The primary shareholder in the airline, the government, has been fighting to keep it solvent with regular infusions of money totaling billions of Pakistani rupees. But the government just recently said that it would privatize the airline and sell its stock to individual investors.

Customers and passengers of PIA have been impacted and irritated by the frequent schedule changes brought on by the airline’s financial problems. Sources within PIA claim that due to the airline’s failure to pay Pakistan State Oil (PSO) for fuel supply, flights have been canceled and delayed.

Pakistan Steps to Privatizing PIA and Outsourcing Airports Under IMF Agreement(Opens in a new browser tab)

Lack of available aircraft forced the cancellation of at least five domestic flights, while delays of up to two hours were experienced by additional flights. The flights in issue were those linking the nation’s biggest cities.

The PIA financial crisis has resulted in a lack of finances to pay for PSO fuel, resulting in numerous aircraft being grounded. The Federal Ministry of Finance has decided to stop subsidizing the losing airline and privatize it and has requested a privatization plan from both the Privatisation Division and the PIA management.

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The interim finance minister has stated that the national carrier was suffering staggering losses of at least Rs 12 billion every month. She claimed that in order to survive, PIA has repeatedly chosen to take loans totaling Rs 260 billion from commercial banks that were backed by the government.

The average monthly cost for PIA is Rs 34 billion, whereas its average monthly revenue is Rs 22 billion. As a result, it has an unhealthy deficit that gets worse with each passing month, according to economist Talib Fareedi. The current overall deficit of PIA is over Rs. 740 billion. This startling amount has forced the finance ministry to immediately implement a privatization proposal. And suggested intends to privatize the state-owned company as soon as possible.

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Airlines

Air India to Launch aircraft maintenance training institute in Bengaluru

Air India, one of India’s leading global airlines, is set to establish a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) in Bengaluru.

This institute will offer a comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The program will follow an integrated 2+2 year structure, combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on training.

This initiative is part of Air India’s broader goal of creating a robust aviation ecosystem in India. With plans to expand its fleet and strengthen its operations, the airline aims to build a skilled workforce of maintenance engineers, making the organization self-reliant while supporting its ambitious transformation journey.

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To bring this vision to life, air india has partnered with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). Together, they will develop a state-of-the-art facility spanning 86,000 square feet at Bengaluru Airport City.

This purpose-built campus will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and qualified trainers to deliver world-class education and training. The institute is expected to become operational by mid-2026.

The BMTO will be located close to Air India’s new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, also set to open in Bengaluru by early 2026. The AME program will begin with two years of academic coursework, followed by two years of practical training at the MRO, ensuring students receive hands-on experience adhering to industry standards.

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In the meantime, Air India has introduced a Cadet AME program in collaboration with reputable institutions in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

This ensures continuity in its commitment to developing skilled aircraft maintenance engineers while the BMTO facility is under construction. The program also allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree through university partnerships, enhancing their career and academic opportunities.

With this initiative, air india plane aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in aircraft maintenance and engineering, air india new planes contributing to the development of India’s aviation sector and creating specialized career paths for aspiring engineers.