ISLAMABAD: Lt Gen (retd) Anwar Ali Hyder has been appointed as the first chairman of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) after management control shifted to the Arif Habib Corporation-led consortium. The appointment marks a new phase for the national carrier under private ownership.
The announcement came after the successful first financial closing of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) privatization transaction. As a result, the investor consortium officially assumed management control of the airline.
Hyder, who also serves as the Managing Director of Fauji Foundation, will head the board of the newly privatized carrier. He will oversee the airline’s transformation strategy, supported by fresh private investment and operational reforms.
Speaking after his appointment, Hyder said that although the airline’s ownership structure has changed, its commitment to serving the people of Pakistan remains the same. He added that PIA would protect its long-standing legacy while developing into a modern and premium airline.
Furthermore, Hyder said the airline would focus on improving the passenger experience, expanding its domestic and international network, and achieving higher operational standards. He stressed that the transformation plan aims to restore the airline’s competitiveness in the global aviation market.
The appointment follows the completion of the first phase of the privatization process. Under the agreement, the consortium made its initial payment to the government and injected fresh capital into PIACL.
According to the transaction terms, the new investment will strengthen the airline’s financial position, support fleet modernization, and finance future expansion plans. Moreover, the funding is expected to improve operational efficiency and enhance service quality.
The privatization represents a major milestone for Pakistan’s aviation sector. The new management now faces the challenge of rebuilding PIA’s performance while ensuring sustainable growth under private ownership.
