ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly was informed on Monday that government has taken various steps to improve performance of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Sheikh Aftab Ahmad, told the House during question hour that PIA earned a gross operating profit of 2.83 billion rupees in the first quarter of the previous years.
He said PIA has acquired 18 fuel efficient aircraft during the last two years. He confirmed the national flag carrier launched premier service on London route and response of this upgraded service is very encouraging. He said PIA has obtained A-330-300 aircraft from Sri Lankan airlines in order to compete with other rival airlines on this route.
Furthermore, he told that due to induction of more aircraft in PIA fleet, the punctuality of flights has increased to above ninety percent. The Minister said cabin crew training centers have been established at Lahore, Nawabshah, Swat, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Quetta besides Karachi. The cabin crew has also been trained from Qatar Airways.
To a question, Parliamentary Secretary Syed Ashiq Hussain Shah told the House that Pakistan Railways operated trains and cargo express under public private partnership during the last five years.
He said seven trains are being run under public private partnership mode and the commercial management of some trains have been taken over the Pakistan Railways due to the default committed by contractor.
