PIA Business and Management Analysis

In 1959, the Government of Pakistan took an initiative of appointing Air Commodore Nur Khan as the M.D (Managing Director) PIA, with his effective approach and visionary leadership, PIA had shown impressive growth and success within a half-decade, acquired the market as one of the leading airlines around the globe. In the history of aviation, this short span of half a decade referred to as the ‘golden era of PIA “.

The key goals and commitments for new management are development, expansion, and growth and so on by 1960, PIA introduced first Boeing 707 service from London to Karachi and Karachi to Dhaka, proved as a major success. Successful accomplishment resulted in PIA becoming the first Asian Airline to operate jet aircraft, setting examples for the future. In 1961, the airline took an extremely extravagant decision of initiating a cross-Atlantic service from Karachi to New York. PIA’s services had carried some over 70,000 passengers during the first year of operation. At times, it was acknowledged as a stellar operation, equal to any other in the world. Due to couple, unfortunate accidents resulted the discontinuation of service in 1966.

PIA, in 1962, the wisdom of PIA management.  finding the upper winds forecast favorable, PIA set a record of fastest air travel service between London to Karachi in a record time of 6 hours, 43 minutes and 51 seconds, that remains unbroken till date, with the representation of FAI (Federal Aeronaut International).

1964 was another historic year for PIA in terms of achievements and historically acknowledged as a pioneer in the checkered history of the airline. On 29th April, 1964, a Boeing 720B, PIA becomes the first airline from a non-communist country to fly into the People’s Republic of China. PIA’s very first service to Republic of China was from Karachi to Shanghai via Canton. By next year PIA increased number of planes by introducing another Boeing 720B and two more F-27s. As a national institution, PIA’s development, had become a serious reality and the PIA team continued to achieve its ambitious plans and goals for the national flag carrier.

A system of feeder services linking eight points in West Pakistan was introduced in 1966 at the times the airline’s viscount were proving insufficient ownership to fast growth and to be replaced by tridents and the growth curve was on high, adding two F-27’s and Boeing 707’s following year.

In 1964-65 the top slot of PIA was taken over by Air Vice Marshal, Asghar Khan for a tenure of 3 years. The introduction of new uniforms for the air hostesses by a well renowned French designer, Pierre Cardin was the most colorful change, if not the most significant at times of highest attributes that changed the entire aviation industry in terms of crew staff and taken as storm by the world. This inspirational move leave a success mark in the industry for PIA and the new uniform was an instant hit both at home and in abroad.

Another achievement of PIA was, to become the first airline to get certification (first/lnitial certification) on SMS(Safety Management System) by CAA Civil Aviation Authority  Pakistan. Civil Aviation Authority Air Navigation Order (ANO 91.0032 issued in September 2008) binds all airlines operating in Pakistan to have SMS. It is the privilege of PIA, who first initiated SMS awareness and implementation in July 2008. PIA awarded initial certification on SMS in 27th February 2009 by CAA.”

PIA installed its first fully functional Engine Overhauling Shop, near the Head Office building, was also completed and commissioned at the same times. The PIA Training Centre previously known as The Ground Training School (GTS) was first conceived and developed during 1961-62. Initially the training was imparted in a T-shaped building which later converted into PIA’s dispensary close to the Head Office building. Due to high levels of seemingly growth and visible development both in traffic and revenues in 1960’s, PIA installed new equipment’s, adding new routes and destinations, and new technologies to support its ever-expanding operations. 1968; a new Jet Hangar for Boeing with a supporting airframe overhaul was completed and commissioned and by 1970 come up with PIA’s 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.”

In early nineties PIA come up with new brighter corporate identity. In changing times PIA introduced much smarter and sportifying looks of 90’s, the famous PIA green mixed and reinforced with moss green and pale blue stripes were incorporated into the new corporate identity. It was green and gold livery earlier when it was first formed back in 1974, some old-timers may remember the flutter. PIA shows its diversity by active participation and sponsoring range of national games and PIA players are always show their leading presence in Cricket, Hockey, Football, Squash, Chess, Bridges, Polo and table tennis as the stripes logo shows PIA’s active participation and diversity. Early nineties progressed to a vast expansion to HAJJ and UMRAH operations and domestic flight operation to all major cities of Pakistan i.e. Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, Quetta, and Karachi.

PIA undoubtedly continues its growth and now PIA operates globally, and cover the international destinations spread over 4 continents including all landscapes of domestic operations. As far as PIA is still a pretty young airline; shown some impressive graphical statistics since its foundation in 1955, PIA has indeed, come a long way.”