History of PIA and it’s current situation

Report for Transport History

Matricola #: 737589
Politecnico di milano
HAFIZ MUHAMMAD FAHID AMIN
 Table of Contents

Section No. Topic Page No.

1 Introduction 1

2 History of PIA and it’s achievement 2

3 PIA Fleet and International and Domestic routes 15

4 PIA Cargo and PIA Speedex 27

5 PIA Engineering Complex 32

6 SWOT Analysis and Future Plans of PIA 35

7 Bibliography 38
Section 1
Introduction
Air Transportation is a fast growing industry, highly capital intensive, highly sensitive to
business cycles, facing increasingly deregulated environment and hence highly competitive
background. The transportation sector holds a very important position in the economy of
Pakistan. Currently it contributes almost 10% in the GDP.

The aviation sector was deregulated just 11 years ago. This encouraged many airlines that
stopped their operation many years back due to Millions of Civil Aviation Authority dues. Bhoja,
Hajvery and Raji were closed down, but they have been granted license again.

Air Blue and Royal airlines have initiated their operations also and they are the second already
operating in Karachi-Dubai cargo flights.

One market which is not served by the Private Airlines includes all flights to those domestic
which are not profitable. It is required by the government that PIA offers its services in not so
profitable areas, which is a liability of PIA being a semi private organization. PIA calls it “loss
making sector”.

Private airlines have stunned the aviation industry as they charge below cost fares. At the
moment when fuel prices are touching all-time high levels in the international market, cut-throat
competition among private airlines has placed a million-dollar question about the feasibility of
these airlines.

PIA operates in two major markets; Domestic and International. Pakistan International Airlines
has the lion’s share in the domestic market. As it is the oldest and the pioneers it has the better
fleet as compared to its competitors who are comparatively newer in this segment. Besides this,
Pakistan International Airlines has a huge network of flights through out the country. The
number of flights remains the same during on-season and off-season.

Internationally also, Pakistan International Airlines is encountered with a severe and strong
challenge with many renowned international names. Pakistan International Airlines faces
competition with not only international airlines but also with local airlines on the various routes
to the Middle East and the Gulf.

Current Airlines of Pakistan: Pakistan International Airlines, Aero Asia , Air Blue, Shaheen
Air International

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Section 2
HISTORY OF PIA.

Birth of a Nation, Birth of an Airline

Air transport has probably never been more important to the development of a new nation than in
the case of Pakistan. In June 1946, when Pakistan was still in the offing, Mr. Mohammad Ali
Jinnah, the Founder of the upcoming nation, instructed Mr. M.A. Ispahani, a leading industrialist,
to set up a national airline, on a priority basis. With his singular vision and foresight, Mr. Jinnah
realized that with the formation of the two wings of Pakistan, separated by 1100 miles, a swift
and efficient mode of transport was imperative

Orient Airways Takes to the Skies

On 23rd October 1946, a new airline was born. Initially registered as a pilot project in Calcutta,
Orient Airways Ltd. had at its helm Mr. M.A. Ispahani as Chairman and Air Vice Marshal O.K.
Carter as General Manager. The new carrier's base remained in Calcutta and an operating license
was obtained in May 1947.Four Douglas DC-3s were purchased from Tempo of Texas in
February 1947 and operations commenced on 4th June 1947.
The designated route for Orient Airways was Calcutta-Akyab-Rangoon, which also happened to
be the first post-war international sector to be flown by an airline registered in India. Within two
months of Orient Airways' operational beginnings, Pakistan was born. The birth of a new nation
generated one of the largest transfers of population in the history of mankind.
Orient Airways, along with the help of BOAC aircraft which had been chartered by the
Government of Pakistan, started relief operations and transportation of people between Delhi and
Karachi, the two capitals. Subsequently, Orient Airways transferred its base to Pakistan and
established a vital link between Karachi and Dacca, the two capitals of the two wings of
Pakistan. With a skeleton fleet of just two DC-3s, three crew members, and twelve mechanics,
Orient Airways launched its scheduled operations. The initial routes were Karachi-Lahore-
Peshawar, Karachi-Quetta-Lahore and Karachi-Delhi Calcutta-Dacca. By the end of 1949, Orient
Airways had acquired 10 DC-3s and 3 Convair 240s which were operated on these routes. In
1950, it had become increasingly apparent that additional capacity would have to be inducted to
cater to the growing needs of the sub-continent.

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A New National Flag Carrier for Pakistan
Orient Airways was a privately owned company, with limited
capital and resources. It could not be expected to grow and
expand independently. It was then that the Government of
Pakistan decided to form a state-owned airline and invited
Orient Airways to merge with it. The outcome of the merger
was the birth of a new airline, named Pakistan International
Airlines (PIA) on 11 March, 1955.

In addition to transport activities, Orient Airways had

established the nucleus of overhaul and maintenance
facilities and acquired trained pilots, engineers and
technicians, these measures proved to be a great asset for
PIA during its teething phase.

PIA’s First International Service

The year 1955 also marked the inauguration of the fledgling
airline's first scheduled international service - to the
glittering, glitzy capital city of London, via Cairo and Rome.
Initially, there was much criticism, as the public could not
comprehend or justify the need to operate an international
route when, in their opinion, other projects vital for a
developing country should have been given a higher
priority. However, PIA's focus was, and continues to be, to serve the Pakistani community at
large. The provision of transportation to expatriates has remained one of the foremost priorities
of the national airline. Moreover, PIA earned substantial foreign exchange through international
services, which it invested in the purchase of aircraft and spare parts, as fleet expansion was a
grave necessity for the airline.

New Planes, New Directions, New Management

In 1956, orders were placed for two Super
Constellations and five Viscounts which were to be
delivered in 1959. At this juncture, PIA possessed a

3
small fleet which comprised of Convairs, Viscounts, Super Constellations and DC-3s.

While Mr. M.A. Ispahani was the first Chairman of the new dynamic airline; it was the first
Managing Director of PIA, Mr. Zafar-ul-Ahsan, who in his 4 year tenure got the ball truly rolling
and set the shape of things to come. The PIA Head Office building at Karachi Airport, which
houses all the major departments of the airline, was the brain-child of Mr. Zafar-ul- Ahsan. In
fact, on his departure from the airline, the employees presented him with a silver replica of the
building with the caption, "The House You Built".

In 1959, the Government of Pakistan appointed Air

Commodore Nur Khan as the Managing Director of
PIA. With his visionary leadership, PIA 'took off'
and within a short span of 6 years, gained the
stature and status of one of the world's frontline
carriers. In aviation circles, this period has often
been referred to as the "golden years of PIA".
Development, expansion, and growth were
keywords that the new management was committed to. In March 1960, PIA launched its first
Boeing 707 jet service on the London-Karachi-Dacca, route which later proved to be very
successful. This trail-blazing accomplishment resulted in PIA becoming the first Asian Airline to
operate a jet aircraft, setting trends for the future. In 1961, the airline took on the mammoth task
of initiating a cross-Atlantic service from Karachi to New York. By this time, PIA had placed
orders for more new aircraft, which included Fokker F-27s, Boeing 720Bs and Sikorsky
helicopters. Helicopter services in East Pakistan had gained momentum by 1962 and expanded to
include Sylhet, Chittagong, Dacca, Comilla and Ishurdi. PIA's helicopter services carried over
70,000 passengers during the first year of operation. At the time, it was regarded as a stellar
operation, equal to any other in the world. Unfortunately, due to two mishaps, the service was
discontinued in 1966.

Historic Firsts and Unbroken Records

In 1962, finding the upper winds forecast favorable, PIA set out to break the record for the
fastest flight between London and Karachi. With representatives of FAI (Federation
Aeronautique International) on board to monitor the official timings, PIA completed the flight in
6 hours, 43 minutes, 51 seconds, a record which remains unbroken to this day.

4
In 1964, PIA achieved another historic first, regarded as a major milestone in the history of the
airline. On 29th April, 1964, with a Boeing 720B, PIA earned the distinction of becoming the
first airline from a non-communist country to fly into the People’s Republic of China. PIA's first
service to China was from Karachi to Shanghai via Canton. In 1964-65, PIA expanded its fleet
further with the addition of a fourth Boeing 720B and two Fokker F-27s. Serious development
had become a reality and the PIA team continued to move ahead with ambitious plans and goals
for the national flag carrier.
A collective pride and joyous buoyancy was pervasive within the PIA family. Riding high on the
crest of success, PIA became a household name in Pakistan in the mid sixties. The war between
India and Pakistan, during 1965, further tested the national airline. PIA played a major role in
providing logistical support to the Armed Forces by operating special flights using Boeings,
Super Constellations, and Viscounts. The Founder of
the Nation, Mr. Jinnah had predicted that the Pakistan
Air force would need the support of a civil airline in
special circumstances, and this came into evidence
during the war.
In 1966, a system of feeder services linking eight new
points in West Pakistan was introduced. By this time,
the airline's Viscounts were proving inadequate
owing to traffic growth, and had to be replaced by
Tridents. The airline continued up the growth curve,
receiving two Fokker F-27s, two Boeing 707s and
one Trident in the following year
Style, Glamour, and Charisma
Around this time, the airline saw a change in the top
slot. Air Vice Marshal, Asghar Khan took over the
reigns of PIA for a tenure of 3 years. A number of
highpoints are attributed to this period. The most
colorful, if not the most significant, occurrence for PIA was the introduction of a new air-
hostesses' uniform designed by none other than the renowned French designer, Pierre Cardin.
Taking the aviation world by storm, this move, more than any other single factor, imprinted
PIA's name on the international market. The uniforms were an instant hit, both at home and
abroad.

5
The Pursuit of Excellence Through Technology and Quality Control
Not content with a number of historic firsts under its belt, PIA made history yet again, by
installing Pakistan's first computer, an IBM1401, in 1967. PIA's first Engine Overhaul Shop,
located near the Head Office building, was also completed and commissioned around this time.
The Ground Training School (GTS) now known as the PIA Training Centre, was first conceived
and developed during 1961-62. Interestingly, training was initially imparted in the T-shaped
building which has now become the PIA Dispensary, close to the Head Office building.
Besides visible development and growth in traffic and revenues in the sixties, PIA added
additional destinations, new equipment, and cutting-edge technology to support its ever
expanding operations. A new Jet Hangar for Boeings with a supporting airframe overhaul shop
was completed and commissioned in 1968.
In 1970, PIA set up its own Flight Kitchen in Karachi, which caters, even today, to the national
airline as well as other carriers. Over the years, with the airline's expansion and increased
capacity, the need for a second Flight Kitchen became imperative.
Ushering In a New Era of Growth and Development
PIA heralded the nineties by donning a bright new corporate identity. Old-timers may remember
the flutter that the earlier green and gold livery had created when it was first introduced in 1974.
However, in keeping with the changing times, PIA introduced a smart, sporty 90's look. The
familiar PIA green was reinforced with moss green and pale blue stripes were incorporated into
the new corporate identity. The stripes, a universal symbol of sport, highlighted PIA's active
participation and sponsorship of a diverse range of national games. PIA's players have always
been at the forefront of Pakistani Cricket, Hockey, Squash, Football, Chess, Bridge, Polo and
Table-Tennis teams. The nineties also saw the expansion of PIA's massive Haj and Umrah
operations to Pakistan's smaller cities, in addition to the major cities of Islamabad, Peshawar,
Lahore, Quetta and Karachi.
PIA's growth continues unabated and the airline now operates globally, covering the entire
domestic landscape and international destinations spread over 4 continents. Impressive statistics
for a comparatively young airline. Since its inception in 1955, PIA has indeed, come a long way.

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HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENTS OF PIA

• First airline from an Asian country to fly the Super Constellation.

• First Asian airline to operate a jet aircraft.
• First Asian airline to be granted maintenance approval by the US Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) and the Air Registration Board, predecessor of the British Civil
Aviation Authority (CAA).
• First non-communist airline to fly to the People's Republic of China, and operate a
service between Asia and Europe via Moscow.
• First airline in Asia to induct the new technology Boeing 737-300 aircraft.
• First airline in the world to operate scheduled helicopter services.
• First airline to show in-flight movies on international routes.
• The first airline in South Asia to introduce auto-ticketing facility.
• The first airline in the world to fly to Tashkent, capital of the newly independent state of
Uzbekistan.
• First airline in the world to start Air Safari with jet aircraft.
• First Asian airline to start flights to Oslo, the capital city of Norway.
• First airline in the world to induct the Boeing 777-200LR, the world's longest range
commercial airliner.
• First airline in the world to take delivery of the Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner (Longer
Range Variant).
• Pakistan International Airlines Flight Services Department was awarded the ISO
9001:2000 certification award during May 2006.
• First airline in Pakistan to operate a flight with an all female crew at command and in the
cabin.
• First airline in the world to operate the Boeing 777-200ER, 777-200LR and 777-300ER
altogether - all the three variants available on the market.
• PIA Flight Kitchens in Karachi were awarded the HACCP Certificate. (Hazard Analysis
and Critical Conrol Points)

7
 Historic Firsts Photo Gallery

Lockheed L-1049C Super Constellation

This photo was taken on February 1, 1954 when Pakistan's ambassador to the
United States was invited to officially accept the delivery of PIA's first Super
Constellation (AP-AFQ). With the delivery of AP-AFQ to PIA, Pakistan
became the first Asian land country and the first Muslim country to fly the
Super Constellation. Six-and-a-half year old Sharon Owen - who is exactly the
same age as Pakistan, born on August 14, 1947 - acted as honorary stewardess,
helping show off the plane to the official party. In this photo, young Sharon
Owen is seen shaking hand with Syed Amjad Ali, Pakistan's ambassador to the
United States. Looking on are Mrs. Amjad Ali, Robert E. Gross, president of
Lockheed, and Capt. Neville Hemsworth, PIA's Super Constellation pilot

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 Boeing 707-321
PIA became the first Asian airline to operate a jetliner when it leased Boeing
707-321 (registration N723PA) "Clipper Viking" from Pan American World
Airways in 1960. "Clipper Viking" was leased out to PIA on February 09, 1960
for use from March 07, 1960 on the London service that was extended to New
York on May 05, 1961. The aircraft was returned to Pan Am on December 12,
1962. In this photo, passengers are seen boarding N723PA at London Heathrow
Airport. When this photo was taken, the Boeing 707 was operating PIA flight
PK-706 from London to Karachi via Rome, Beirut and Tehran

9
 Arrival of PIA's first flight from China
PIA was the first non-communist airline to operate flights to the People's
Republic of China. In this rare photo from 1964 in Yawar's collection, you can
see the arrival of PIA's first flight from China at Dacca Airport, East Pakistan.
Yawar's grandfather Capt. Moinuddin Quraishi appears on the right side of this
photo. The Chinese delegation was given warm welcome with flower garlands
as seen in the photo. PIA Boeing 720B jetliner used for this flight appears in the
background of this photo

Boeing 737-340
AP-BCE seen during a pre-delivery test flight in 1985. PIA was the first Asian operator
of Boeing 737 series 300 aircraft. A total of six Boeing 737-340s were delivered to PIA

10
between 1985 and 1986. These Boeing 737s replaced ageing Boeing 720Bs on PIA's
domestic and regional flights

Boeing 720-047B
Pakistan's first planetarium was set up by PIA in Karachi. This photo from late
Ajaz Karim's collection shows AP-AXM on display at PIA Planetarium in Karachi

Boeing 737-340
Managing Director PIA Air Vice Marshal Farooq Umar before embarking Boeing 737-

11
300 jetliner with group of tourists and guests on inaugural Air Safari flight to
Karakorams on August 6, 1993. PIA is the first airline in the world to operate Air Safari
flights with jet aircraft

Airbus A310-308
This photo shows AP-BDZ landing on runway 01R of Norway's Oslo-
Gardermoen Airport on May 1, 2001. PIA became the first Asian airline to
touch down in Norway when its Airbus A310-308 landed at Oslo's
Gardermoen Airport on May 1, 1999. PIA commenced two weekly flights on
Karachi-Oslo sector, via Lahore and Islamabad, respectively. On the return
route, the flights are routed via Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, which
was PIA's first destination in Scandinavia two decades ago

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 Special Markings
PIA celebrates special occasions by applying special markings on its aircraft

Boeing 747-367
This photo from late Ajaz Karim's collection shows AP-BFW at Shannon Airport of
Ireland in 1999. The Boeing 747 in this photo is displaying specially designed sticker
to celebrate 50 years of the People's Republic of China and 35 years of PIA's non-stop
service to China. The sticker reads: "Celebrating 50 years of the People's Republic of
China with 35 years of non-stop service"

Airbus A300B4-203
This photo shows AP-BFL at Sharjah Airport, UAE, in November of 1998. To
celebrate Pakistan's 50 years of independence, a specially designed small marking

13
 was applied on all PIA aircraft. Each aircraft was given name of a Pakistani city and
this name was painted below the special marking. In this photo you can see this
specially designed marking applied under the flight deck windows of AP-BFL.
Painted below this marking, in very small text, is the name "City of Abbotabad" given
to AP-BFL

Airbus A310-308
AP-BEB, "City of Murree" photographed by Andrew Hunt at Singapore's Changi
Airport is sporting specially designed sticker to celebrate 50 years of the People's
Republic of China and 35 years of PIA's non-stop service to China

Boeing 747-240B (SCD)

AP-BAT photographed by Ali at London-Heathrow Airport in January 2007 is seen
sporting 'Destination Pakistan 2007' sticker. 'Destination Pakistan 2007' program is
launched by the Pakistani government for promotion of Pakistan as tourist destination

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Section 3
Fleet of Pakistan International Airlines

PIA's fleets of modern aircraft are spacious, comfortable, and designed to get the passengers to
their destination safely. PIA operates a range of advanced aircraft, ranging from the world's
preferred Boeing 777 airplane to the super-quiet Airbus A-310.
A brief introduction of PIA fleet is given below:
BOEING 777
The Boeing 777 family comprises of long-range, wide-body twin-engine airplanes. PIA was the
first airline in the world to operate all the three variants of the 777 family: 777-200LR, 777-
200ER and 777-300ER, all of them are well loved by PIA's seasoned travelers for their
spaciousness and comfort. PIA also holds the privilege of being the launch customer for 777-
200LR, one of PIA’s aircraft holds the record for the longest commercial jet flight in aviation
history. At present PIA is serving destinations in USA, Canada, UK and Europe through its 777
fleet.
Boeing 747
The Boeing 747, often referred to as “Jumbo Jet”, is amongst the world's most iconic and
recognizable jet airplanes. This four engine long haul wide-body airplane has a two-deck
configuration. PIA operates two variants of 747 family which includes 747-300 and 747-200
Combi. 747 Combi is so called as it has mixed pax and cargo configuration on the main deck. At
present due to its capacity, 747-300 fleet is mostly deployed to cater high density requirements
like carrying intending pilgrims to and from Saudi Arabia.
Airbus A310
The Airbus A310 is a medium to long range wide-body airplane providing a spacious interior to
its travelers. PIA has deployed the A310-300 fleet on Far East, Regional as well as Domestic
routes.
Boeing 737
The Boeing 737 is one of the world's favorite narrow-body short/medium haul jet airplane.
Amongst its many credits, it has the distinction of being the most ordered and produced
commercial airplane of all time and Boeing continues to manufacture its variants, to date. PIA’s
737-300 aircraft mostly serve its domestic and regional routes.

15
ATR42
This modern technology turbo prop is the latest type inducted in PIA’s fleet. PIA’s fleet of seven
ATR42-500 aircraft is configured in comfortable two class seating arrangement. This aircraft has
enabled the airline to provide its valued customers the most convenient way to fly to far flung
destinations of the country.

Currently PIA has 40 aircraft in its fleet. These number of each aircrafts are:

7 x ATR 42-500

12 x Airbus A310-300

6 x Boeing 737-300

1 x Boeing 747-240B (SCD)

5 x Boeing 747-367

4 x Boeing 777-240ER

2 x Boeing 777-240LR

3 x Boeing 777-340ER

Aircraft Specifications
ATR 42-500

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ATR 42-500 Specifications
Accommodation: 2 (flight deck), two-class layout for 48 passengers
Length/height/wing span: 22.67m/7.59 m/24.57 m
Powerplant: two Pratt & Whitney PW127E turboprops, 1610 kW each
Maximum cruising speed: 563 km/h
Maximum range: approx. 1850 km with typical load

Airbus A310-300

Airbus A310-308 Specifications

Accommodation: 2 (flight deck), three-class layout for 184 passengers
Length/height/wing span: 46.66m/15.80 m/43.89 m
Powerplant: two General Electric CF6-80C2A7 turbofans, 262,4 kN thrust each
Maximum cruising speed: Mach 0.8
Maximum range: approx. 9785 km with typical load

17
 Boeing 737-300

Boeing 737-340 Specifications

Accommodation: 2 (flight deck), two-class layout for 118 passengers
Length/height/wing span: 33.40 m/11.13 m/28.8 m
Powerplant: two CFM International CFM56-3B2 turbofans, 89,9 kN thrust each
Maximum cruising speed: 856 km/h
Maximum range: 4553 km with typical load
Boeing 747-240B (SCD)

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Boeing 747-240B (SCD) Specifications
Accommodation (full passenger configuration): 3 (flight deck), two-class layout for 398
passengers
Accommodation (full passenger configuration): 3 (flight deck), single-class layout for 468
passengers
Accommodation (Combi configuration): 3 (flight deck), two-class layout for 298 passengers
Length/height/wingspan: 70.66 m/19.33 m/59.64 m
Powerplant: four General Electric CF6-50E2 turbofans, 234,0 kN thrust each
Maximum cruising speed: 969 km/h
Maximum range: 9636 km with normal load
Boeing 747-367

Boeing 747-367 Specifications

Accommodation: 3 (flight deck), three-class layout for 433 passengers
Accommodation: 3 (flight deck), two-class layout for 468 passengers
Length/height/wing span: 70.66 m/19.33 m/59.64 m
Powerplant: four Rolls Royce RB211-524C2 turbofans, 244 kN thrust each
Maximum cruising speed: 969 km/h
Maximum range: 10,501 km with normal load

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 Boeing 777-240ER

Boeing 777-240ER Specifications

Accommodation: 2 (flight deck), three-class layout for 329 passengers
Length/height/wing span: 63.7 m/18.5 m/60.9 m
Powerplant: two General Electric GE90-94B turbofans, 94,000 pounds of thrust each
Maximum cruising speed: 905 km/h
Maximum range: 14,316 km with normal load
Boeing 777-240LR

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Boeing 777-240LR Specifications
Accommodation: 2 (flight deck), three-class layout for 310 passengers
Length/height/wing span: 63.7 m/18.6 m/64.8 m
Powerplant: two General Electric GE90-115B turbofans, 110,000 pounds of thrust each
Maximum cruising speed: 905 km/h
Maximum range: 17,446 km with normal load
Boeing 777-340ER

Boeing 777-340ER Specifications

Accommodation: 2 (flight deck), three-class layout for 393 passengers
Length/height/wing span: 73.86 m/18.6 m/60.9 m
Powerplant: two General Electric GE90-115B turbofans, 115,000 pounds of thrust each
Maximum cruising speed: 905 km/h
Maximum range: 11,029 km with normal load
Vision
PIA's vision is to be a world class airline exceeding customer expectations through dedicated
employees, committed to excellence.
Mission
Employee teams will contribute towards making PIA a global airline of choice:

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Offering quality customer services and innovative products
Participating in global alliances
Using state-of-the-art technologies
Ensuring cost-effective measures in procurement and operations

Values
Customer Expectations
Convenience, Caring, and Competitive Tariff
Service
Personalized and Courteous
Innovation
Cherishing New Ideas, Translated Into Action
Cohesiveness
Respect for Individuals, Teamwork, and Effective Communication
Integrity

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Business Ethics, Accountability, and Transparency
Reliability
Loyalty and Consistency
Safety
Passengers, Employees, Environment, and Health
DOMESTIC NETWORK OF PIAC

Islamabad - Rawalpindi (Benazir Bhutto Northern Areas

International Airport) Hub Gilgit
Skardu

North West Frontier Province (NWFP) Sindh

Chitral Hyderabad
Dera Ismail Khan Karachi (Jinnah International Airport) Hub
Peshawar (Peshawar International Airport) Moenjodaro
Focus City Sukkur

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 Punjab Balochistan
Bahawalpur Dalbandin
Dera Ghazi Khan Gwadar
Faisalabad Panjgur
Lahore Hub Quetta
Multan Turbat
Rahim Yar Khan
Sialkot

INTERNATIONAL NETWORK OF PIAC

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INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS OF PIAC

South East Asia North America

Malaysia Canada
Kuala Lumpur Toronto
Thailand United States
Bangkok New York City (JFK)

Southwest Asia
Bahrain Europe
Manama Denmark
Kuwait Copenhagen
Kuwait City France
Oman Paris
Muscat Ireland
Qatar Dublin [plan to start Summer
Doha Dammam 2009/pending approval]

Jeddah Italy

Riyadh Milan

United Arab Emirates Netherlands

Abu Dhabi Amsterdam

Dubai Norway

Sharjah Oslo
Russia
Moscow (Sheremetyevo Airport)
Spain
Barcelona
Turkey

25
Istanbul
United Kingdom
Birmingham
Glasgow
Leeds/Bradford
London (Heathrow & Stansted
Airport)
Manchester

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Section 4
PIA Cargo
Efficient and streamlined cargo operations serving a vast number of domestic and global
destinations.
PIA Cargo, the air freight division of Pakistan International Airlines, commenced freighter
operations in 1974, with initial flights to the USA, Europe, and Hong Kong. Within a short time-
span, PIA Cargo has built a reputation for timely deliveries, operational excellence, and a high
standard of customer service. In addition to its country-wide, domestic network in Pakistan, PIA
Cargo delivers cargo shipments to over 40 international destinations, while serving the rest of the
world through interline carriage.
PIA Cargo commenced operations in 1974, with flights to the USA, Europe, and Hong Kong on
the B-707 aircraft. PIA Cargo has the unique distinction of introducing Pakistan's fruits to
international markets and pioneered the exports of fresh fruits and vegetables to global
destinations. Operating as the air freight division of Pakistan's national carrier, PIA Cargo has
achieved rapid growth and reaches out to destinations spanning the globe through its passenger
scheduled flights and freighter services.
PIA Cargo earns valuable revenue for Pakistan International Airlines and provides a
massive boost to Pakistan's wide spectrum of exports. The aggressive growth of PIA Cargo
coupled with PIA's rapidly expanding passenger operations, empowers customers with a range of
cutting-edge cargo products and services. In addition to offering cargo services, PIA Cargo also
arranges charter flights to lift meat, livestock and relief goods within and outside Pakistan.
Commodities
PIA Cargo transports a range of commodities across Pakistan as well as a growing list of global
destinations. The commodities that PIA Cargo ships run the gamut from edibles such as meat and
vegetables, to textiles, paper products, laboratory equipment, and even un-cremated human
remains.
PIA Cargo also specializes in the uplift of special cargo such as relief goods, live animals (sheep,
cows, camels, horses), and shipments for cargo aircraft. These commodities are uplifted on
leased freighters as and when the need arises.

27
For pure cargo flights, PIA used Boeing 707 aircraft. From 1970s to late 1990s Boeing 707
freighters of PIA Cargo operated flights to cities like Abu Dhabi, Athens, Damascus, Frankfurt,
Istanbul, London, New York, Paris and Zurich. The airline retired its last two Boeing 707
freighters in 1999

Boeing 707-373C
AP-AWD in 1970s livery

Boeing 707-340C

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Fredy took this photo of AP-AWY at Frankfurt Airport, Germany, on June 28,
1976

Boeing 707-340C
Johan took this photo of AP-AWY at Athens Airport, Greece, on April 13,
1982

Boeing 707-373C
AP-AWU landing at Frankfurt Airport, Germany. Paul took this excellent
action photo on April 24, 1992

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PIA Speedex
PIA Speedex Delivers With Speed, Reliability, and Affordability
PIA's flagship courier service, Speedex, delivers documents and parcels of any size, to doorstep.
With a vast domestic network, cutting-edge technology, and the highest standards of customer
service, PIA Speedex is Pakistan's courier company of choice.
PIA Speedex
In the 1970s, Pakistan International Airlines pioneered the express delivery of shipments across
Pakistan. The Air Express service delivered documents and parcels from one airport to another,
ushering in the dawn of the courier industry in Pakistan.
In 2003, PIA expanded the scope of Air Express and launched a full-fledged courier service, and
PIA Speedex was born. Initially serving Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, PIA Speedex grew
rapidly and another 12 major cities were added to the network. Today, PIA Speedex offers
premium courier services in 70 cities across Pakistan, and shipments are collected from and
delivered to the doorsteps of our customers.
Capitalizing on PIA's cutting-edge information technology infrastructure, PIA Speedex
pioneered the online tracking and tracing of shipments in Pakistan, enabling customers to track
the status of their parcels at each transit point, until delivery. A range of delivery options also
catapulted PIA Speedex to the position of a credible and reliable industry leader, giving
customers flexibility and choice at highly affordable rates.
PIA Speedex will soon branch out into the international marketplace, offering customers a
unique mix of speed, reliability, and affordability.
PIA Speedex offers a range of flexible delivery options to suit your budget and your needs.
Same Day Speed
Perfect for businesses, the Same Day Speed service delivers mission-critical documents or
parcels on the same day that you ship them. Delivery times depend on when you book your
shipment and the availability of flights.
Overnight Speed
The Overnight Speed service works while you sleep at night. Your parcels and documents are
delivered to their destination the next day, depending upon when you book your shipment and
the availability of flights. Businesses use the Overnight Speed service for the delivery of official
documents that are transported at night and arrive at their destinations the next morning, just in

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time for the start of the day's work.
Second Day Speed
The Second Day Speed service delivers your shipment to its destination within a 2 day period.
This cost-effective service is ideal for heavy packages and for deliveries where time is not of the
essence.

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Section 5
PIA Engineering Complex - Areas and Services
Base Maintenance
Entrust PIA Engineering, an EASA Part-145 approved MRO with the most extensive
maintenance capabilities, with engineering and maintenance requirements. PIA’s clientele
comprises of large numbers of international operators and the experience of over 50 years
enables PIAEC to find the right solutions for all the operational and maintenance needs. PIAEC
services are tailored to any airline's needs. PIAEC highly qualified engineering personnel offer
comprehensive engineering services, backed up by excellent equipment and systems. PIAEC
have sufficient aircraft support dock installations in the hangars, as well as trained manpower
and tooling, to undertake simultaneous work on various types of aircraft in your fleet, around the
clock.
PIA offer Base Maintenance services in the following areas:
Line Maintenance
PIA’s highly skilled Line Maintenance team in Karachi undertakes and releases the full range of
cabin tasks and In Flight Entertainment (IFE) checks during transit, along with regular transit
tasks for Boeing 777, 747, 737 and Airbus A310, A300 B4, Fokker F-27, and ATR-42, under
EASA Part-145 and CAA Pakistan. PIA Line Maintenance division is backed by extensive shop
support and substantial stocks of spare parts inventory and is amongst the region's most
experienced facilities.
As part of PIA’s Line Maintenance services, PIA Engineering also maintains the appearance and
quality of your aircraft's cabin and exterior. PIA’s Line Maintenance facilities cover the complete
range of an aircraft's routine maintenance and inspection requirements. PIA has sufficient aircraft
support dock installations in 4 hangars with the requisite trained manpower and tooling to
undertake simultaneous work on various types of aircraft in your fleet, around the clock.
PIA Engineering offers excellent Line Maintenance at all International/Commercial airports in
Pakistan and large numbers of line stations around the globe.
Power Plant and Overhaul
PIA Engineering's Engine Overhaul Workshop is acclaimed as one of the most modern and best
equipped engine repair and overhaul facilities in the region. Spread over an area of 9,072 square
meters, the workshop offers high-class plating facilities; both manual, as well as robotic plasma
flame spray. The Engine Overhaul Workshop also includes a heat treatment shop with a vacuum
heat treatment facility.

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An independent machine shop, attached to the Engine Overhaul Workshop, is equipped with
several precision machines used for the repair and modification of engine components during the
overhaul process.
A key feature of the Engine Overhaul Workshop is the jet engine test facility, designed to test
aero engines up to a maximum capacity of 100,000 lbs thrust, airflow of 3,000 lbs/sec and an
engine weight of 15,000 lbs.
The test cell has recently been upgraded with a cutting-edge test cell data acquisition system, the
ASE2000. The ASE2000 can be used to accommodate all FADEC/EEC powered engines.
Engine Condition Monitoring
PIA Engineering develops and maintains engine reliability and engine oil analysis programs for
the engines and APUs shown in the table above. 24/7 support services are also provided for
operators in any geographical location.
Maintenance & Operations Control (MOC)
The Maintenance & Operations Control Division offers comprehensive planning, materials,
repairs, and logistics services to the highest international standards. The MOC Division is
powered by fully-integrated computer systems to ensure efficient scheduling, administration,
monitoring and control of maintenance activities, as well as cost-effective management of spares,
equipment and resources.
Engineering Automation provides information system solutions to all divisions enabling
functional integration, resource optimization and technical reliability improvements. Being in a
standardized technical environment and using common a information architecture based on IBM
SNA, this shared network approach has resulted in enhanced user systems to improve fleet
dispatch reliability performance. In addition, the division conducts time and motion studies to
develop consolidated man-hour plans for all the sections of the PIA Engineering Complex,
ensuring optimal utilization of human resources during critical projects.
MOC coordinates core departments and external handling agencies to ensure prompt aircraft
turnaround times with minimum technical delays, using the latest, state-of-the-art systems. MOC
plays a pivotal role in aircraft on-ground situations that require skilled and dynamic responses.
MOC provides support around the clock, with dedicated engineering personnel who liaise
closely with operational departments and flight crews to ensure that operations run smoothly, and
to minimize the impact of unscheduled maintenance and technical delays.
Our team of specialists is committed to providing the highest levels of support and services:

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• Maximum fleet availability and serviceability via the production of long and short term
maintenance plans
• Optimum scheduling and availability of an entire aircraft's inventory
• Development of Engineering Management Software solutions to manage the diverse needs of the
customers
• Conducting time and motion studies in the aviation sector to develop man-hour plans to ensure
optimal utilization of human resources
• Conducting On Job Training (OJT) on approved aircraft types, engines and systems

Flight Simulator Training

The history of PIA's flight simulators dates back to the inception of the airline. Extremely
effective for flight crew training, PIA's B707 flight simulator has been used by a number of
regional airlines. Until the turn of the century, Air Malta, Alyemda, CAAC, Egypt Air, East
African Airlines, Iran Air, Iraq Air, Libyan Air, JAT, Tarom, Saudia, Alia and Pakistan Air
Force have utilized PIA's flight simulators for the training of their pilots and crew.
PIA Engineering maintains A310, B747, B743 Flight Simulators for in-house flight crew training
and other operators and airlines can also schedule training sessions. The Civil Aviation Authority
of Pakistan has approved PIA's flight simulators for use in pilot training, and the following
services are offered:
• Transition training
• Recurrent training
• Customized training

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Section 6
SWOT ANALYSIS OF PIAC
Introduction
Through the technique of "SWOT" one can analyze the present performance conditions of any
organization and its weaknesses. Also the opportunities it can grab in the external environment
and the threats it faces. This technique serves as a base for sound recommendations and
conclusions.
I will use SWOT analysis technique in order to come up with conclusion about PIAC.
Strengths
Strengths are found in the internal environment of the organization. They are the backbone of an
organization. Strengths of an organization can overcome any kind of weaknesses that the
organization is facing. PIA has a number of strengths due to which it is still one of the leading
airline in Pakistan. These are as following
• PIA has status of being Flag Carrier of Pakistan.
• Highest Market Share at domestic network.
• Multilingual Staff on Board
• Booking Offices in all major cities both at domestic and International
• PIA has well established brand as it’s oldest airline in Pakistan.
• Subsidized fares
• Halal meat available at all flights.
• Electronic ticketing by web and through SMS.
• Highly Professional Staff
• Having Government’s protection
Weaknesses
Weaknesses are also found in the internal environment of the organization. Weaknesses if more
in quantity can break down an organization easily. They can overcome the strengths as well. PIA
also faces a number of weaknesses which are as following
• Old aging fleet of PIA causing higher operating cost.
• Huge burden of Employees which cause financial burden.
• Inadequate space on the aircraft
• Charging of higher fare as compared to competitors.
• Lack of marketing activities as compared to competitors.
• Poor quality of food/service on board specially in domestic flights

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Opportunities
Opportunities exist in the external environment. They need to be recognized and used according
to the business being run. An opportunity recognized and utilized at the right time will be the
strength of tomorrow. Such kind of opportunities also exists for PIA in its external environment.
Some of them are as following:
• PIA has huge potential market in Middle East if PIA upgrades its fleet.
• PIA has largest domestic network and by proper route planning PIA can generate huge
amount of Revenue with higher profit.
• PTDC provides favorable market for domestic as well as international sectors for the
airline
• PIA can generate more revenue by attracting customers through Web and Mobile
Reservations system.
Threats
Every organization faces external threats which could do damage to the business's performance.
These threats can damage the business and even could be the reason of bankruptcy No doubt;
PIAC is well established and seasoned organization. Yet there are certain threats being posed by
the external environment.
Some of them are as under:
• Political instability and law and order situation.
• Rising fuel prices in the world.
• Over staffing at all levels
• Frequently rising Airlines fare
• Fast growing domestic and international competitors
• Effective promotion strategies adopted by other competitors like Emirates and Shaheen
anr Airblue.

Conclusion of Using SWOT Analysis:

From the above SWOT analysis I came with certain Conclusion about PIA. No doubt PIA has
good market for further growth and it has many advantages over many others airlines. But PIA
should upgrade it’s old aging fleet as it is causing the PIA major financial loss because fuel
prices has risen in the international market and PIA has still old fleet, which causes higher
operating cost. Another burden on PIA is it has the highest number of employees as compared to
other airlines, as number of persons per aircraft is highest. PIA should adopt a good marketing
plan so that it will generate higher profit and business class seats should be promoted in the

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market and passengers should be attracted toward that segment too. Merit based promotion
should be emphasized. PIA should adopt competitive strategies both at domestic network and on
certain international routes.
Future Plans of PIA:
• Proposed fleet -53 Aircrafts.
• 100% operational fleet.
• Resumption of Amsterdam flight.
• New destination; e.g. Bradford.
• Female workforce to be enhanced.
• Employee ratio340 per Aircraft.
• H.R budget to be increased by 1% every second year.
• Break even by 2010.
• Re-defined job description/re-appropriation of man power at foreign stations.
• PIA to offer man power expertise for the growing aviation market of the Middle –East.
• Adherence to business ethics & zero tolerance towards corruption.
• Proactive marketing plan & decision making.
• Improved reservation system.
• International web-ticketing service.
• Customer satisfaction to be prioritized.
• New cargo products.
• Pyramid style organization.

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Bibliography:
http://www.historyofpia.com/list_history.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistan_International_Airlines
http://www.answers.com/topic/pakistan-international-airlines
http://www.piac.com.pk/PIA_About/pia-about_History.asp
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1561315.stm
http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.shtml?159526
Annual reports of PIA 2008, 2009.
http://www.piac.com.pk
http://finance.kalpoint.com/highlights/corporate-news/airlines-company-pakistan-international-
airlines-analysis-of-the-financial-statements-cy-03-3q-09.html

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