KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines revival is on top priority and all efforts are aimed towards turnaround of the airline beneficial for its shareholders, employees and passengers. This was stated by Shujaat Azeem, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Aviation ,in his first message to PIA employees.

A statement here on Monday said that Shujaat Azeem further stated that the Federal Government is providing support for revival of the airline and the Prime Minister, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, is very keen to see the turn-around of PIA as soon as possible.

He said that there will be no lay-offs, rather growth and development will be the only strategy prevailing in the national flag carrier.

Shujaat Azeem announced that meetings will be held with all the unions and associations for their enhanced contribution towards the betterment of airline and with their help we will achieve our objectives. `We believe in consultation and not confrontation. Honesty, hard work and reward system will prevail across the board, he assured the employees. However, there will be no political interference and zero tolerance for corruption will prevai'l, he remarked.

He asserted that the fear of lay- offs in the national flag carrier are all based on rumors and hearsay, the fact is that the present government is aware of the economic issues being faced by the country and is not in favor of lay-offs in PIA.

Shujaat Azeem emphasised that PIA employees are the real assets and believes that it is the team effort which is required at this time to steer the airline out of the financial difficulties.

The turnaround is around the corner and very soon good news will be heard. PIA once again will become the leading airline by addition of new fleet and revamping of infrastructure, he declared.

Shujaat Azeem said that on the instructions of Prime Minister, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, all out efforts are being made to make PIA a profitable entity by way of achieving revenues and reducing costs without compromising on service standards.

He appreciated the efforts of the employees and said that the performance of last month and the successful ongoing Umrah season are very encouraging. The recently started phone, sms and email service on PIA Boeing 777 aircraft is also a good initiative for the convenience of passengers. People love to fly PIA and we must win back their confidence, he added.

Shujaat Azeem that the airline has acquired four aircraft on damp lease while induction of three A320 aircraft with confirmed deliveries will start from July 2014. Furthermore, 10 additional fuel efficient narrow body aircraft will be acquired for which the tender advertisements will be placed very soon.

PIA will be equipped with newer fuel efficient narrow body aircraft which will help in restoration of old routes and flights suspended due shortage of fleet. There will be increase in frequencies on profitable routes. We have decided to modernize this airline by installing latest technological infrastructure at par with others in the market.

Shujaat Azeem said that emphasis is being made on increasing revenue base by way of implementing additional frequencies on profitable routes and new destinations to be added to the airline?s network purely on commercial basis while aircraft inductions are also being made to meet demand capacity and maintain the airline?s flights schedule.

PIA employees welcomed the appointment of Shujaat Azeem as Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Aviation who has the aviation back ground and a strong will to turn around PIA, the statement added.

(APP)