KARACHI (Khyber Mail): Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) faces a critical talent drain as numerous experienced captains and first officers leave for better-paying opportunities in private airlines. This exodus, driven by non-competitive salary packages, raises serious concerns about the operational sustainability and future of the national carrier.
Over the past months, PIA has lost some of its most skilled professionals, with names like Capt. Ishfaq Hussain, Capt. Shariq Najam, and Capt. Mohsin Khan among the many who have departed. The disparity in salary structures is stark—PIA pays its Airbus A320 captains approximately PKR 500,000 per month, whereas private airlines such as AirSial, Airblue, and Fly Jinnah offer salaries around PKR 3 million.
This financial gap has made retaining experienced pilots nearly impossible, critically undermining PIA’s ability to maintain high-quality operations. Despite being the only government carrier training new pilots, the lack of mentorship and guidance from seasoned captains places its training programs and long-term sustainability at risk.
Industry experts warn that the aviation sector relies heavily on experienced personnel, and without immediate reforms to improve salary packages and retention policies, PIA will continue to lose its key asset—its pilots. The airline’s competitive disadvantage in the market jeopardizes its future as a national carrier.
The government and PIA management are urged to address this growing crisis swiftly, ensuring the retention of skilled professionals to secure the airline’s stability and preserve its position in Pakistan’s aviation industry. This is a wake-up call that demands immediate and effective action.