PIA’s name and branding will remain unchanged; fleet will be expanded from 18 to 38 operational aircraft
ISLAMABAD:
Four companies have been prequalified to participate in the upcoming privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines, with 75 per cent of the national carrier’s shares, set to be auctioned soon.
PIA’s name and branding will remain unchanged following privatisation. Under the proposed business plan, the airline’s fleet will be expanded from 18 to 38 operational aircraft within four years.
According to Prime Minister Office press release, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on PIA affairs. He directed that all stages of the privatisation process be completed swiftly and transparently.
He also instructed officials to prepare a strategy to increase the number of operational aircraft in PIA’s fleet and to ensure the timely departure of flights.
During the meeting, officials provided a detailed briefing on PIA’s privatisation and the associated business plan. They apprised that four parties have been prequalified for the upcoming auction, which will cover 75 per cent of PIA’s shares.
It was emphasised that the airline’s name and theme will not be altered as part of the privatisation process.
The business plan aims to expand PIA’s operational fleet from 18 aircraft to 38 by 2029. Currently, the national airline provides services to more than 30 cities across Pakistan. Under the new plan, PIA’s services are expected to cover over 40 cities by 2029.
The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahsan Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, Prime Minister’s Adviser for Privatisation Muhammad Ali, and other senior government officials.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting on matters related to Pakistan International Airlines today.
(Islamabad: 20 November, 2025) pic.twitter.com/VonklYi4Ub
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) November 20, 2025
Govt’s renewed efforts for PIA privatistion
The government’s renewed effort to privatise PIA follows a failed bid last year when only one offer — Rs10 billion ($36 million) from real estate developer Blue World City — was received for a 60 per cent stake. The offer, far below the government’s floor price of Rs85 billion ($305 million), was rejected.
The Privatisation Commission reopened the process in April 2025, inviting expressions of interest for a 51 to 100 per cent stake from both local and international investors.
The renewed process drew interest from eight entities, with four — including leading business groups and a private education operator — shortlisted after federal approval in July. Final bidding and negotiations are expected before the end of current year.
The sale of PIA is expected to mark Pakistan’s first major privatisation in nearly two decades. Reviving loss-making state-owned enterprises like PIA remains a key structural benchmark under the country’s ongoing $7 billion International Monetary Fund bailout programme.
