In a major stride towards economic revitalization, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has successfully completed the digitalization of its passenger systems after 18 years of operating on outdated systems. The move aligns with Pakistan’s broader economic reforms, spearheaded by Prime Minister Imran Khan, aiming to attract global business and foreign investments.
Under the leadership of President & CEO Air Marshal Arshad Malik, PIA’s transformation focuses on enhancing efficiency and customer experience. M. Osama Sheikh, PIA Project Manager & Business Analyst, highlighted the significance of this digital overhaul, emphasizing its potential to reduce financial overheads, streamline operations, and improve customer satisfaction.
The digitalization initiative, led by PIA Chief of IT Kashif Rana, has already yielded positive results, with direct sales increasing from 5% to 60% in just one month. The new Passenger Services System (PSS) and Global Distribution System (GDS) from Turkish-based company HITIT CS promise substantial cost savings over the next five years.
Looking beyond passenger systems, PIA is now directing its focus towards the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) and cargo systems. Sheikh emphasized the importance of these initiatives in generating additional revenue and serving customers more effectively.
In the broader context of Pakistan’s economic reforms, the digital transformation at PIA aligns with the government’s push for increased foreign direct investment (FDI) and improvements in overall GDP. Sheikh expressed optimism about the positive impact of digitalization on the country’s economic growth, anticipating growth in foreign travelers and a boost in the tourism sector.
The airline’s collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for a national immigration and travel database, as well as efforts to digitize cockpit operations and engineering processes, further underscores PIA’s commitment to modernization and operational efficiency.
As PIA continues its digital journey, there are high hopes for increased passenger traffic and cargo volumes, contributing to the overall economic prosperity of Pakistan.
