Federal Minister for Aviation and Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique has categorically rejected rumours about privatization of Pakistan International Airlines and Roosevelt Hotel in New York.

Addressing a press conference at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore on Monday, he said the ministry has decided to explore the options, reopened the hotel and a proposal has already been sent to the federal cabinet for approval.

The Minister said the PIA’s revenue goals for the current fiscal year are 138 billion rupees but the department is trying to achieve 155 to 160 billion rupees instead of the set target.

Khawaja Saad Rafique said PIA’s operational fleet comprises 25 planes , whereby the airline is in the process of inducting 15 more aircrafts.

The Minister announced to totally renovate seven A320 aircrafts of the national airline in next 90 days and tenders will be issued soon in this regard.

Khawaja Saad Rafique said PIA will operate six weekly flights from Pakistan to Turkey and Pakistani passengers will be able to access 28 cities in Europe, UK and USA from Istanbul under PIA- Turkish Airlines code-share agreement.

He announced plans to construct international airports at Sukkur and DI Khan and a feasibility report in this connection will be finalized in November this year.

Source: Radio Pakistan