EASA likely to lift ban on flight operation of Pakistani aircraft: Sources

[Karachi Aviator]

In a noteworthy development, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is likely to lift restrictions on the flight operation of Pakistani aircraft, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on European routes, ARY News reported, citing sources.

The sources close to the development revealed that a pivotal meeting of the EASA’s safety board has been scheduled for May 2024, where the future of PIA is expected to be a focal point for discussion.

Sources stated that the documents related to the matter have been submitted by PIA to the EASA, meanwhile, the final report is set to be presented during the EASA’s safety board meeting in May.

The European Safety Agency will include the audit report of PIA and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the meeting agenda, sources maintained.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/arynews.tv ... craft/amp/

[Amaad Lone]

The sources close to the development revealed that a pivotal meeting of the EASA’s safety board has been scheduled for May 2024, where the future of PIA is expected to be a focal point for discussion.

Why May?? that is three months away, just a waste of time.

If confirm that the ban is going to be lifted, PIA should try to look for newer leased aircraft for UK and European routes.

A330-900 might be a good option rather than operating outdated 777s.

[Karachi Aviator]

Why May?? that is three months away, just a waste of time.

If confirm that the ban is going to be lifted, PIA should try to look for newer leased aircraft for UK and European routes.

A330-900 might be a good option rather than operating outdated 777s.

I think the UK DfT will wait for EASA's decision and then make it's own decision. EU will be most probably be restored before UK.

As for the aircraft type, after multiple failed attempts to invite bids for leased aircrafts in the last 10-12 months, it's clear that PIA can't lease newer aircrafts, maybe it can try again but by the looks of it, it'll be the same 777s flying to UK and EU.

The a321neo is more suitable for EU operations imo:

5x 200ERs for Saudi Routes
2x 200LRs for Canada
3x 300ERs for UK (assuming AP-BID might become operational)
4x a321neos for EU & East Asia

Maybe try to refurbish at least the 300ERs for UK.

[Abbas Ali]

PTV News

On February 27, Advisor to Caretaker Prime Minister on Aviation Air Marshal (Retired) Farhat Hussain Khan informed Senate of Pakistan that the decision on removal or continuation of restrictions on Pakistan-registered aircraft commercial passenger/cargo flights to/from Europe expected in European authorities' meeting in May 2024. Pakistan expects positive outcome of that meeting.

Abbas

[Karachi Aviator]

Hopefully PIA revisits it's EU operations after the ban is lifted and doesn't go back to the same old 10 weekly flights to 5 different stations combined.

PIA needs to find it's Istanbul-like hub in EU from where it can offer connections to the rest of EU and US.