Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is moving into the next stage of privatisation, with the government weighing the sale of its remaining 25% stake. Officials said the stake is valued at about Rs45 billion and could be divested within three months. The move follows the transfer of 75% management control to a private consortium led by the Arif Habib Group.
Under the new structure, PIA operates with private management while the government retains minority ownership. Officials added the airline currently has 18 aircraft, including six owned and 12 leased planes. They stressed that the existing fleet is insufficient for network expansion, and additional planes are needed to improve service and coverage.
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Route restoration is underway, with London flights resuming on March 29 and Paris services operating twice weekly. Manchester flights are planned three times a week, while Malaysia and Saudi Arabia services continue, focusing on Hajj and Umrah traffic. Officials highlighted that these steps aim to strengthen international connectivity and revenue growth.
PIA separated its legacy assets and liabilities into a holding company, keeping the operating airline’s books clean. This restructuring was essential to attract private investment and allow competitive operations. Properties like the Roosevelt Hotel in New York and Scribe Hotel in Paris remain under government control, managed separately from the airline’s operations.
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Financial results show improvement, with a Rs26 billion profit in 2024 and Rs6.8 billion in the first half of 2025. Analysts said the airline now needs 25–30 aircraft for sustainable growth, but expansion timing depends on new management’s strategy. Officials remain confident the privatisation will strengthen PIA’s operations and commercial performance.