PIA unaware of any ban on flights to EU destinations?

[mohammad abdulaziz]

The News International:

?PIA unaware of any ban on flights to EU destinations?

KARACHI: A news item which appeared in a section of the press quoted unknown EU sources from Brussels as saying that they plan to disallow some of PIA flights to EU destinations in view of certain technical concerns.

A press release of the airlines 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.

[Abbas Ali]

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