Lahore: Minister for Railways and Aviation Khawaja Saad Rafique stated that outsourcing airports could serve as solution to address persistent basic facility woes in country.

Addressing press conference here, Saad Rafique announced plans to outsource airports in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad.

He highlighted lack of basic facilities in existing airports, emphasising need for improvement. Operation of these airports will be entrusted to an international firm, with aim of enhancing services provided, he added.

He mentioned that an agreement has been signed with International Financing Corporation (IFC) and numerous countries have expressed interest in collaborating with IFC.

Recognising existing challenges, Rafique argues that involving private entities in airport management and operations would lead to improved basic facilities for passengers and travellers. “Plans are underway to make Suhrawardi Khan Airport an international airport,” he added.

In light of current state of affairs, he emphasised that Pakistan International Airlines cannot continue in its current condition and that changes are required to improve its operations.

Meanwhile, he confirmed that ‘precious asset’ Roosevelt Hotel owned by Pakistan International Airlines has been leased out to New York City administration for three years.

He said that an agreement has been reached between Pakistan International Airline-Investment Ltd (PIA-IL) and New York City Administration for utilisation of Roosevelt Hotel on rental for three years.

“Government of Pakistan will receive $ 220 million,” Saad Rafique said, adding, under this agreement, 1,250 rooms of hotel have been leased for period of three years”.

‘Major issue’ government was facing was salaries of hotel’s employees. “Now, as result of agreement, 77 employees will serve there and rest will be terminated,” he said. It was decided that no employee from Civil Aviation Authority will be employed at hotel.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 05 2023

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