"PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES: A TROUBLED LEGACY IN NEED OF REVIVAL"

Pakistan International Airlines PIA), once renowned for its slogan Great People to Fly With,’ has a storied history of contributions to the aviation industry. despite its illustrious past, PIA has faced challenges in recent decades, witnessing a decline from its former glory. This downward trajectory has prompted concerns about the airline's sustainability and competitiveness in the modern aviation landscape. The Pakistan government is now preparing to privatise the

PIA played a pivotal role in the early development of Emirates, providing crucial technical and administrative support alongside supplying new Boeing 737-300 and Airbus A300B4-200 aircraft. Additionally, in a significant milestone, PIA became the first non-communist airline to establish flights to China in 1964, further cementing its reputation as an aviation trailblazer.

In a significant move, Pakistan’s government recently approved the privatisation of PIA, signalling the government's intention to divest its ownership stake in the airline. This decision underscores a broader effort to restructure and revitalise PIA's operations, aiming to inject new capital, expertise, and efficiency into the airline.

The approval for privatisation comes amidst ongoing efforts to address longstanding issues plaguing PIA, including financial losses, operational inefficiencies, and governance challenges. By opening the door to private investment and ownership, the government aims to position PIA for a sustainable and competitive future in the global aviation market.

While the decision to privatise PIA marks a significant shift in the airline's ownership structure, it also raises questions and uncertainties about its future direction and identity. However, proponents argue that privatisation could unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and improved service quality, ultimately benefiting both the airline and its passengers. As PIA embarks on this new chapter in its

history, the aviation industry and stakeholders will closely monitor developments to assess the potential impact of privatization on the airline's performance, reputation, and longterm viability.