KARACHI, JUL 05 (DNA) – Senators endorse PIA’s expansion, appreciate improvement in service Senate Standing Committee on Aviation has asked the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines to expand its fleet and network.

This was said during the meeting of committee held at PIA Head office on Wednesday. Meeting was chaired by Senator Mushahidullah Khan whereas Senator Sherry Rehman , Senator Fida Muhammad and Senator Momin Khan Afridi members of committee also attended.

 Federal Secretary Aviation Dr. Ijaz Munir, President &CEO PIA Dr. Musharraf Rasool Cyan, Director General Civil Aviation G. Hassan Baig, Dy DG CAA Khawar Ghayas, Addl DG Metrological Deptt Dr. Muhammad Hanif, and Director Operations ASF Col Navaid were present to represent their respective organizations.

 Senator Mushahidullah Khan said that PIA’s there is an improvement in PIA’s performance especially its fleet has doubled as compared five years ago and a reduction in losses are also being witnessed. However, there is a need to expand further for the convenience of public. Senator Sherry Rehman  said she appreciates remarkable improvement especially in the behavior of its flight crew who are very courteous and hardworking. She emphasized upon improvement in IFE and flight cuisine. She said that there should be representation of women in PIA’s Board of Directors which is missing. She said that medical facilities to PIA employees must continue. Secretary Aviation Dr. Ijaz Munir earlier gave a comprehensive presentation on the setup of Aviation Division. He shared details of performance of all its constituents, PIA, CAA, ASF and Met Deptt. Responding to queries raised by the senators President &CEO PIA Mr. Musharraf Rasool Cyan said building on ongoing efforts expansion in PIA is underway and within two to three years a significant expansion will be there. He said new airport at Islamabad will be used as new opportunity for expansion. He said four new aircraft are expected to be inducted by the end of current year whereas in other ares especially in technical ground services also we going for new acquisition of equipment as the present equipment is very old and obsolete. Musharraf said that the present average age of fleet is around 11 years brought down from 27 years previously. He said there has been no significant increase in the administrative cost of airline which stands at around 20% as previous. He said we are working on consumer based flight cuisines and introduced some new menus on selected routes. Similarly the IFE and cabin improvement has also been planned to have wide tv screens and flat beds in business class as well.

The senators asked for more services at new airport for the convenience of public. They said many issues are being witnessed at the airport which needs to be resolved at the earliest. Senator Sherry Rehman asked for the details of the agreements signed between CAA and other parties for the new airport as there seems to be violation of PPRA in them. Sherry Rehman asked to rename the new airport as Benezir Bhutto as it was its original name. Senator Fida Muhammad asked for improvement in technical ground service especially at New Islamabad International Airport.

The members of committee also discussed performance issues related to Airport Security Force and Metrological Department. Senator Mushahidullah said that the Metrological services need special attention and he especially requested the media to acknowledge its importance and should enhance its awareness as it is life line of any nation. He said weather forecast has direct impact upon the economy of the country and ther is an urgent need for lobbying at international level.