DAWN Editorial - PIA

[zerbaer]

DAWN 7-3-07
Editorial


Whither PIA?


IT IS disturbing to watch the decline of what was once considered a world class airline. It is made worse by an impending ban by the EU on a majority of PIA’s fleet from March 8 because the airline has not met international safety standards. How could an airline be so callous as not to comply with safety standards, thereby putting passengers’ lives at risk? The ban is not a bolt from the blue as the EU has been threatening the action for some time, but it seems that nothing was done — at least that is how it appears as PIA has been oddly silent on the issue. It first said that it had not received any written word on the ban and then that the EU restrictions placed on it were “discriminatory”. If that is its defence, it is appalling, especially since it had ample time to rectify the faults and deficiencies. It did nothing to put its own house in order. Britain’s decision to implement the ban from next Friday speaks volumes about PIA’s negligent attitude. This is a cause for serious concern given that its monthly losses are said to be one billion rupees a month. The airline is heavily overstaffed and those that matter, like engineers, ground staff, pilots and crew, complain of being overworked and underpaid. As for its administrative aspect, here too PIA’s performance has been consistently poor, with passenger complaints of flight cancellations, delays and inconveniences mounting by the day.

PIA management seems dismissive of these obvious problems. This ostrich-like approach will get it nowhere. Neither will the government’s hands-off approach, for the losses resulting from the EU ban will be huge. The government must step in and ensure that PIA puts its house in order — or risk losing customers who now have options other than of flying PIA.

Source: www.dawn.com

[Xeon]

Editorial says that The airline is heavily overstaffed.

Can someone comment how many employees are there in PIA?
and compare with other airlines ?

I guess PIA doesn't spend that much on payroll as percentage of expenses as other airlines !!

[zerbaer]

Why only compare the number of employees?
PK shows 17,500 employees.

[Xeon]

Why only compare the number of employees?
PK shows 17,500 employees.

My point is that number of employees per aircraft do matter but more important factor should be whats the percentage of total payroll in terms of total operating cost ?

[zerbaer]

When does it matter most? Right now nearly all employees are a burden with lost revenues on top of un precedented debts. For airline costs & salary as % look up other airlines' balance sheets or charts available on ATA etc. Block hour cost includes salary, maint., insurance etc. - what is PK's Block Hour (operating) cost per aircraft type in their fleet?

[oxon]

Mr.Kermani said not to worry! every thing will be OK in the end of March. All concerned a/cs will be put right. All PIA a/cs will be flying every where in the world... ban ! what ban ? there will be no ban in the end of this month. This precent 'ban' is just temporary set back ! who is worying and who care? EU can not put any ban because PIA hasn't received any "written " letter from EU. Why this EU picks on PIA ? Its claimed that EU gave 12 months to PIA to put things right ? who says ? where is that letter ? PIA never received any written warning ? EU got the nerve to ban PIA ? Mr. Kermani will sort them out !!!

[zerbaer]

Kirmani & his chamchass talk is utter gutter. They are our criminals - Figure out the charges. Start with TREASON.

[Cobra]

My elders used to and still talk about some MIR JAFFER in this context. There are too many around.
'' Ai mauj-e-bala un ko bhi zara do chaar thhaperey hulkay se
kuchh log abhi tak sahil se toofan ka nazzara kartey hain.''