Prominent Pakistani businessman Arif Habib has announced plans to expand the fleet of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to 38 planes initially, and eventually to 65 planes, following his successful bid to acquire the airline.
Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Habib praised the government for conducting the privatization process in a transparent manner, saying the sale of PIA will benefit the national economy.
“Today, Pakistan has won. Foreign investors will be attracted to the country, boosting overall investment,” he said.
Habib described PIA as a national institution with a strong legacy, noting that it was once the world’s number two airline. He added that the airline’s employees are talented and highly skilled, and assured that they will be supported and their expertise fully utilized.
He said that the expansion of the fleet will also create new employment opportunities and provide current and experienced staff with enhanced career prospects.
