KARACHI, (PR): PIA’s Board of Directors meeting chaired by Federal Defence Minister & Chairman PIA Ch. Ahmed Mukhtar in Lahore considered its proposed Strategic Business Plan for 2010 to 2014, deliberated on assumptions, projections on which it has been based and endorsed PIA’s survival and turnaround strategy will require joint efforts by airline management and shareholders, Government of Pakistan.

The plan included PIA’s commitment to strengthening culture of ethics and compliance; enhancing revenues through aggressive marketing strategies; and operational restructuring in savings. Board felt shareholders’ support in form of equity injection is vital for a sustainable turnaround. It recommended government should review aviation policy to make it equitable for all stakeholders by providing a level playing field to Pakistani airlines and encouraging investment in the sector. It also recommended government should approve financial support package to ensure sustainability, viability of PIA.

Proposed plan after few adjustments desired by the Board, will be presented to Federal Government for approval. Board considered that CAA Pakistan already allowed pilots to fly up to age of 62 years.

Considering PIA management’s recommendations it decided that in order to cater for pilots shortage for various aircraft and ensure integrity of schedule, PIA should give option to pilots for rejoining on contract after 60 years which is superannuation age in PIA provided they meet prescribed CAA standards for flying aircraft.

It was apprised of performance of its subsidiary viz PIA Investments Limited. The meeting was attended by Captain Aijaz Haroon, Managing Director PIA, Syed Naseer Ahmad, Malik Nazir Ahmed, Javed Akhtar, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Syed Athar Ali, Prof. Mian Ijazul Hassan, Mubashir Iftikhar, Husain Lawai & Khawaja Jalaluddin Roomi.