EU set to ban most PIA Planes

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mohammad abdulaziz
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Post by mohammad abdulaziz »

PIA needs to put house in order: PPP

By Our Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD, Feb 24: The People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPP) has expressed its concern over the growing series of governance scandals, both fiscal as well as regulatory, hounding the national flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) since last year.

In a statement issued here on Saturday, PPP Information Secretary Sherry Rehman said the PIA had been in the news for quite some time for its messy financial affairs and a recent audit of the airline cast serious doubts over the corporation’s ability to continue as a growing concern as its monthly losses were reported to go beyond Rs1 billion, while its liabilities exceeded its assets by Rs20 billion.

Although, she said, the management shoddily denied this recorded fact, last year, the airline faced a ban on some of its key aircraft on European Union (EU) routes for failing to maintain approved standards of airline refurbishment.

"Now again, according to reports from Brussels, the PIA is in for further trouble as the EU is all set to bar all its aircraft, except for Boeing 777s, from flying to 27 European countries after March 8 owing to maintenance concerns," she said, adding that the organisation's "careless attitude" towards maintenance was "appalling." "What right does a national flag carrier have to put people's lives at risk, or to spend without a check when losses are mounting? Who authorises Pakistan’s national colours to be dropped on aircraft tail fins that are painted at astronomical charges? Why are trained loyal pilots, crew and ground staff allowed to be treated like un-unionised sweatshop employees? And why should a ban be slapped, or even threatened, twice in a matter of six months by the EU? All this is the cause of extreme embarrassment both for the PIA and the nation that finances it," she stated.

Ms Rehman said the news of the EU ban led to the conclusion that both the PIA and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had indeed been failing miserably in maintaining safety standards.

"Other than the CAA's failings, and lack of action after the Fokker crash over the past couple of years, the PIA too is assuming a pretty notorious reputation in flight delays and cancellations. Passengers, whether travelling on domestic routes or the international ones, are subjected to extreme agony because of the growing inefficiency of the management. PIA's airfares have always matched the most competitive airlines of the world.

Yet neither passengers, nor loyal employees, or the tax-paying nation are passed on the benefits of falling oil prices, or hedges against rises, which many other airlines practiced," she added.

Source: http://www.dawn.com/2007/02/25/nat3.htm
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Post by Moin »

In reference to Ms.Rehmans statement, its so typical that Govts, when out of power to become 'wiser after the event' and like to project themselves as saviours of the nation. That is until they're back in power again. Then its the very same exercise repeated all over again. Half their time is spent on 'personal vendettas' and getting back at the previous Govt in power while the corruption and misappropriation of Govt funds slowly starts taking hold. Its very easy for them to sit in the opposition and make all these wise statements under the garb of being so concerned about the peoples and countries well being and state of affairs. Once they're at the helm of affairs, the leopard changes its spots. Had the PPP been in power, PIA would probably still be flying those 6 old 742's, the A300's and Fokkers and any talk of acquiring new a/c would first have to involve placing a substantial deposit in the account of Mr.10%.

As PIA's 737's don't come anywhere near EU nations, they would have to look towards leasing at least 15 newer a/c to make up for the lack of 747's and A310's on EU routes and how they're going to achieve that in just a few weeks is the million $ question.
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Re: Northwest Airlines

Post by BOEING777 »

AirBlue wrote:The DC9's are fitted with hush kits ... thats why they are flying into Canada as well. North America allows stage 2 airplanes but only with hush kits
Hush kits are not for safety- they are to reduce noise- I go back to my point that NW does not use them outside N.America- and that they are fully inline with FAA safety standards.
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Post by Charliedelta11 »

I've been thinking..the recent deliveries for private jets that have been taken by the government of Pakistan..Like AP-BHY..and the jet shaukat aziz went to tour some country in..i dont know if they are the same thing or two different aircraft..but now that they have their owwn jets..is it possible that the orders were placed keeping in mind the fact that PIA would be privatised soon ?

see...its simple..provided PIA is brought back onto track it IS going to make money..heck..it still IS making money but the money isnt being utilized properly..which is why its going deeper in debt..load factors are excellant..and its got monopoly in the region..inspite of poor marketing..imagine what could be done with proper management..
air lanka was in dire straits..its been brought out of it..these middle eastern airline..which i see as prospective customers have the finances to manage PIA..a 51% share in PIA..could turn it around completely..


Ali_khan
think Pakistani govt. should take out its B743s, B742s and A310s. ATRs, and 733s should be given to the private Pakistani airlines on favorable leases/prices (the rest sold). Atleast, this way the Pakistani aviation sector will thrive. The withdrawn aircrafts can be converted to cargo (a few to VIP) and a national cargo airline should be operated instead. Also, the 777s should be inducted to Gulf Air (if Pakistani govt. decides to become a partner) or be sold.
for the first point..your talking as if the private airlines are faring better than PIA..theres shaheen thats hallucinating about having a 767 when no ones ever seen it..aero asia that instead of progressing has decided to take a step back in time..i dont think they know that there are other versions of the 737..apart from the 200..
as for Airblue..hmm..they've got good planes..a guy at the helm who has worked as the MD of PIA before...so he knows his way around the aviation industry..but i've heard pilots are pulling out of ED too..for reasons i'm not aware of..
a national cargo airline ? u do know cargo and passenger travel are at two OPPOSITE sides of the spectrum right ?
as far as VIP aircraft..wow..what an amazing idea..lets drain the tax payers money more than we already do ! [/b]
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Post by R.F. »

Its these very loathful, greedy self centered politicians and generals that have been responsible for intially gradual and now a rapid decline of not only PIA but the whole country itself. Why is it that only on the assembly floors these sycophants try to out do each other and definately not for the love of the country or the airline it's only to show allegiance to some equally inept, corroupt, dispicable and characterless leadership of some morally decadent party.

So why this charade, PIA only reflects the state of the country !
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Post by Adnan Anwar »

Taking advantage of this situation are the political parties like PPP, MMA and PML-N. Even though they were extereme total failures when they had a chance.

Mr. 10% pocketed commision in numerous contract deals, made PIA buy containers for transporting his horses to his SUrrey mansion and as well to the PM house in Islamabad. Those containers which PIA had no use for after BB's govt demise and no commerical use as well as no one in Pakistan transport horses via air. So these scumbags call themselves peoples representatives. Sad in Pakistan there are many morons in Pakistan who will be voting for them again. How pathetic.

Nawaz on the other hand pushed PIA to acquire 747-400's but at that time PIA so cash strapped and so was Pakistani Govt. Nawaz was famous for taking foreign trips in which 13-15 people were really the people for the trip but then rest of the 747 was full of chamchas. At one time, close to 400 limos were chartered by Pakistan Embassy in Washington D.C. for Nawaz entourage. Even secret service had tough time digesting all this.
Sad again in Pakistan there are many morons in Pakistan who will be voting for them again. How pathetic again.


The point is these are who are finger pointing at the present govt. but they themsleves have been worse crooks.
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Post by CoyBoy »

I think this is a good opportunity for PIA to evaluate its European routes and drop some places while thos ereamining can go 777, they could also free up 777 from middle east, Russia and Indian services replacing them with 74M for these markets.
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Post by AirBlue »

Charliedelta11

If there are pilots leaving ED, its not because they dont like flying with them, its just that they are getting better jobs in the middle east, etc.
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Post by Abbas Ali »

PIA Press Release

A PIA press release said on Saturday the factual position is as under:

a. The Air Safety Committee (ASC) of the European Union (EU) visited Pakistan during 12 to 16 February, 2006 and held professional–cum–technical consultations with management of PIA. The consultation subject primarily concerned technical upkeep, airworthiness and well-kept interior of Asian countries aircraft operating on European destinations. The committee expressed its satisfaction with PIA aircraft, all operational and professional issues.

b. There was another meeting in Brussels during 21 and 23 February, 2007, where Pakistan was represented by professional and technical experts from Public Sector Aviation Industry (PIA and CAA). The PIA put forth a range of operational data before the ASC of the EU to their satisfaction in terms of the technical fitness, airworthiness and other cabin specific upkeep/maintenance issues of the PIA aircraft. The committee appreciated efforts of the PIA towards maximisation of its aircraft excellent maintenance, standards and airworthiness. The committee, however, counselled to modernise PIA fleet age according to latest technological advancement. Necessary refurbishment of the PIA’s old aircraft is also in the pipeline as per EU standards.

c. The PIA is unaware of any reported ban on its aircraft operations to the EU destinations and is in constant touch with the concerned authorities of the EU besides seeking to fully protect PIA’s interests.

d. It may relevantly be mentioned that PIA Engineering Department has been approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) since 2004 under their Part-145 regulations, which are considered the most modern aviation maintenance/safety standards. Currently PIA Engineering undergoes Quality Surveillance Audits by the EASA auditors twice every year.

The PIA Engineering has not only performed Heavy and Light Maintenance on foreign registered Aircraft under its international approval during the past 50 years but has also supported many reputed airlines in the establishment of their engineering facilities.

e. The PIA has been operating its aircraft with average age of 21 years, which is now reduced to 12 years. The PIA Engineering is concentrating more on Airworthiness and Safety issues of a segment of its fleet. PIA aircraft also operate on destinations in Europe where they undergo safety inspections by inspectors of Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft Programme (SAFA). The principles of the programme are simple and being implemented for all foreign (Non-European) airlines landing at the European airports.

Source: The News
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Post by Abbas Ali »

PIA fleet will not be banned from flying to EU: CAA

By Ali Waqar

LAHORE: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said on Saturday that no ban would be imposed on the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) fleet in the European Union, and the airline’s aircraft would continue operating in the bloc after March 8.

Replying to a question about international organisations’ objections to PIA Boeings and Airbuses and the CAA stance on the subject, CAA Deputy Director General Vice Marshal Muhammad Safdar Khan said the CAA was satisfied with the PIA Boeings and Airbuses.

He was talking Daily Times after a conference of regional countries’ civil aviation associations in Lahore. He said the CAA believed that PIA’s international fleet was okay for operations. He said the authority was aware of the whole situation, and he attended a meeting in Brussels of the EU Air Safety Commission on February 22, where a PIA and CAA team made a successful presenatation.

He said the fleet’s operations in the bloc would continue after March 8, but certain quarters were trying to exploit the situation.

“I especially went to attend that meeting after the rising controversy on the issue,” he said. He conceded that the PIA fleet had some “small operational or technical faults”, but said the CAA knew about these problems, and the situation was being improved. “The CAA has occasionally stopped some aircraft from flying, but that happens only for two to three days because of technical problems.”

The CCA deputy director general said EU countries had been contacted to tell them that they should first consult the CAA on such issues.

According to reports on Friday, senior officials at the Pakistan High Commission in London told the PIA headquarters in Karachi that the EU would bar all PIA aircraft, except for Boeing 777s, from flying in the bloc after March 8 because of safety concerns. The reports said the decision was made in Brussels, where the Air Safety Commission’s meeting was held.

Source: Daily Times

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F.K
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Post by F.K »

when the EU safety committee came to pakistan it inspected the only 743 that had been refurbished at the time and noted some shocking anomalies. the insurance certificate of the aircraft had expired,17 life vests were found missing. its not just technical problems that have spurred this action but some serious irregularities and derelictions on part of the pia staff that have had this problem take the proprtions that it has. alot of old planes including pias ex b4s are flyingto manchester without these alarming lapses. this is the first time in pias history that it has to face such humiliation with every thing falling to pieces. someone will surely have to take the fall this time.
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Post by behramjee »

F.K wrote:alot of old planes including pias ex b4s are flyingto manchester without these alarming lapses.
hi,

i think u made a typo error as PIA retired their AB4s in 2004 and they were never used for a long time on scheduled flights to UK.

unless ofcourse, you are refering to the ones sold to MNG and converted into freighters.
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14.10.2006 Official Journal of the European Union L 283/3

Post by zerbaer »

BELOW IS EXCERPT FROM Oct. 2006. Remember: PK kept saying locally that the restrictions had to do with cleanliness & minor cosmetic issues!!


(43) The Commission has asked Pakistan International Airlines to provide evidence of an adequate remedial action plan intended to address its systemic safety deficiencies within strict deadlines. Furthermore, the competent authorities of Pakistan have announced the establishment of an action plan to reinforce their surveillance activities on the carrier which must be urgently submitted to the Commission.

(44) Pending the submission of the above mentioned plans within the indicated deadlines and the formal endorsement of such plan by the Pakistani authorities, the Commission considers that, at this stage, Pakistan International Airlines should not be included in the Community list. However the Commission will take appropriate action, if necessary under Article 5(1) of the basic Regulation, in the event that the above mentioned plans are not delivered in due time or are judged insufficient. In addition, the Member States intend to ensure further verification of effective compliance with the relevant safety standards through systematic ramp inspections on this carrier.
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Post by mohammad abdulaziz »

Govt goes over options in face of looming EU ban

* Prime minister speaks to PIA chief Kirmani
* Letter being dispatched to EU authorities today

By Sarfaraz Ahmed

KARACHI: The government is looking at various options “with utmost care” to stave off a looming European Union ban on all but seven PIA planes, according to well-placed official sources.

According to press reports, an EU committee of experts has decided to block all but seven planes of the PIA’s roughly 40-plane fleet from flying to Europe for failing to meet international safety standards.

“We believe the issue is not going to be settled unless President Pervez Musharraf or Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz take it up directly with EU leaders,” said the sources.

The government is backing the PIA’s line of action, which it has firmed up in the last two days. As a first step, the airline has finalised a draft of a letter to the EU air safety body asking it to clarify its position and communicate it to PIA officially. The letter also seeks to express the airliner’s “serious concern” over the way the EU body had “singled out” Pakistan for an “arbitrary” and “unfair” action, if indeed it has decided to ban all but seven PIA planes.

The sources said Prime Minister Aziz is in constant touch with PIA chief Tariq Kirmani to help resolve “a serious crisis threatening the prestige of the airline and the country”.

“First thing in the morning we will be doing is dispatching a letter to the EU authorities concerned,” sources said, adding that the letter had been drafted with “due input” from top authorities in Pakistan. Asked when the airline expected a response to its letter, the sources said that it could take a couple of days or longer.

Another option being suggested in some government quarters is to place import restrictions on European products. However, the sources said this was an unlikely “last option”, because it could cause problems for the hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis working in 27 EU countries.

The sources said that “if worse comes to worst” and the EU does enforce the ban, the PIA would have to lease passenger planes acceptable to the EU.

“PIA would have to lease planes, so it can hold on to its routes and passengers in Europe,” said the sources. “If you lose passengers, they will not come back easily. But we have to do it even if it turns out to be a loss-making venture, which it will be.”

Last year the European Commission banned nearly 100 airlines from operating in the bloc, targeting mostly African carriers after a spate of fatal crashes involving European passengers.
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Re: 14.10.2006 Official Journal of the European Union L 283/

Post by DEZI »

zerbaer wrote:BELOW IS EXCERPT FROM Oct. 2006. Remember: PK kept saying locally that the restrictions had to do with cleanliness & minor cosmetic issues!!


(43) The Commission has asked Pakistan International Airlines to provide evidence of an adequate remedial action plan intended to address its systemic safety deficiencies within strict deadlines. Furthermore, the competent authorities of Pakistan have announced the establishment of an action plan to reinforce their surveillance activities on the carrier which must be urgently submitted to the Commission.
Where does it say " puraana jahaz.' It says MAINTAIN IT. The Forum should be clear about this.