ISLAMABAD: Arif Habib, the founder of Arif Habib Group, has said Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) revival will focus on leveraging talented employees, international expertise, and strategic growth to restore the airline’s success.

Talking exclusively to Pakistan TV, Arif Habib said the revival of PIA represents a broader success for Pakistan, expressing confidence that the national carrier will regain its former stature.

Arif Habib Consortium had won the bid by offering Rs135 billion for the 75% shares of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited. The runner-up was Lucky Cement, which offered Rs134 billion but was outbid by the Arif Habib Consortium.

The third group was the private airline Airblue, which exited in the first round after its offer of Rs26.5 billion fell below the reference price of Rs100 billion.

Arif Habib recalled that PIA was once among the world’s leading airlines and said the new management is committed to restoring its past glory.

“We have resolved to bring the airline back to its past success by fully utilising the potential of its employees and inducting new aircraft,” Arif Habib said.

He said competent and high-performing employees would be given greater opportunities, adding that Pakistan had a large pool of talented professionals and the airline would benefit from them.

Referring to past experiences, he said privatisation efforts had previously led to additional employment, as when a business grew, it required more staff.

He also said international advisers would be engaged to support the turnaround process to ensure sustainable growth and long-term success for the airline.

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PIA revival to ride on talent, global expertise and strategic growth: Arif Habib