Hildenbrand magic makes PIA profitable

ISLAMABAD: PIA showed operational profit in March and its average number of daily flights has crossed 120, despite having a limited number of aircraft.

Government's decision of hiring Hildenbrand shows its seriousness to improve PIA's standard of service delivery. Hiring of these professionals testifies the seriousness of the government of Pakistan in improving the management of the national flag carrier.

They leave their home countries and come to work in a country like Pakistan which has visible security concerns at a time when hardly any foreigner is willing to come to work or invest in the country.

Due to recession in Europe these highly paid professionals come to work in third world countries like Pakistan at a salary lower than international standards. It is wrong to say that these professionals are hired at exorbitant salary packages. In fact some of the PIA employees are at a package more than that of the CEO.

Hildenbrand was chosen for the job because of his vast experience spread over four decades in Lufthansa. Pakistan is lucky to benefit from his services. Since his joining the airline several steps have been taken to uplift the airline's declining standards including improving on-time performance and punctuality as well as laying more emphasis on cleanliness of aircraft and quality of in-flight meals.

PIA showed operational profit in the month of March and its average number of daily flights has crossed 120, despite having a limited number of aircraft. A lobby, which has been fleecing PIA for years, is working against Hildenbrand as their malpractices are being checked by him and things are being done on merit.

Bosses in nearly all leading international airlines are Europeans, Americans or Australians having relevant experience spread over decades. For example, CEO of Emirates Sir Timothy Clark, is a British citizen; CEO and President of Etihad Airways James Hogan is Australian; CEO of Oman Air Paul Gregrostwich is a Netharlands citizen; CEO of FlyNas, a low cost Saudi airline, Paul Byrne is an Irish citizen; Chief Commercial Officer of Qatar Airways Hugh Dunleavy is a British national while Chief Operating Officer of FlyDubai, the low-cost carrier owned by the Dubai government Kenneth L. Gile is an American national. Similarly Christoph R. Mueller, a German national remained CEO of Malaysia Airlines and Aer Lingus. 

More foreigners are joining PIA now because the new CEO Mr. Bernd Hildenbrand enjoys excellent reputation in international aviation circles and they feel more comfortable working under him. During his recent visit to Europe and the Middle East he has informed aviation industry leaders about the way PIA is changing.

These vastly experienced foreigners would provide PIA's staff an opportunity to learn from the best minds in the aviation industry and improve airline's standards.   It should be a matter of pride for Pakistanis that highly qualified and experienced foreigners are working for them. They should use this opportunity to learn from them and hone their skills to replace these foreign professionals in future.

Efforts of the government in recruiting the best available talent without giving consideration to faith, race or nationality must be appreciated and supported by the public as well as the media.