At least 2,000 apply for PIA's Voluntary Separation Scheme

• PIA says it has received 2,000 applications
• Spokesman says over 1,000 release letters already issued
• PIA says airline will save around Rs2.5 billion and payback will be two years

ISLAMABAD: At least 2,000 employees of the Pakistan International Airlines have applied for the voluntary separation scheme (VSS), a spokesperson told The News. 

The spokesperson said the national carrier has already issued release letters to nearly a thousand employees. Nearly all departments saw iterations including airport and flight services and commercial. 

The scheme, which was launched on December 7, was extended twice before the final deadline of December 31. 

Read more: PIA launches Voluntary Separation Scheme for its employees

The spokesperson said that the reduction in the workforce via an honourable separation scheme, with an attractive package, was crucial for the airlines to execute its business plan. He also appreciated the support of the government and other stakeholders.

"The response was very encouraging and we reduced nearly 20% of our regular workforce," said the spokesperson. He said that the PIA would save around Rs2.5 billion from the iterations and the payback on investment would be two years.