Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has expressed its intention to restore flights to European destinations following the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) decision to lift the flight operation ban. This development signals a significant milestone for the airline, which is eager to re-enter the European market.
The Ban’s Impact and PIA’s Plans for Recovery
According to Reuters, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan revealed that the airline plans to approach the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) to seek permission to resume operations on the UK route. EASA’s approval is crucial for this move. Khan mentioned that PIA is targeting a resumption of flight operations to Europe within the next three to four weeks.
Should the airline receive approval for flights to the UK, popular destinations like London, Manchester, and Birmingham are expected to be part of the airline’s network.
The temporary lifting of the EASA ban follows the Pakistani government’s efforts to sell 60% of PIA’s shares. This action was aimed at convincing the European Union Aviation Safety Agency to remove the restriction. The ban had resulted in a significant financial blow, causing PIA to lose around 40 billion rupees annually.
New Routes and Fleet Expansion: PIA’s Future Vision
Abdullah Hafeez Khan further emphasized that the airline is ready to introduce new routes and lease new aircraft. The government’s decision on privatization will play a key role in these plans, especially after concluding discussions on the sale of the airline’s shares.
The PIA spokesperson expressed optimism that the resumption of European flights will not only improve the airline’s value but also make the privatization process smoother. This revival could prove to be a game-changer for PIA, opening up new opportunities for growth and profitability.
The History Behind the Ban and Recent Developments
The ban on PIA’s European flights dates back to June 2020, when former Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan revealed that a significant number of commercial pilots held dubious licenses. This revelation led the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to temporarily suspend PIA’s air operations to European countries for six months, starting July 1, 2020. Later, on April 8, 2021, EASA extended the suspension indefinitely due to ongoing concerns about flight safety.
However, significant progress was made on September 15, 2024, when PIA shared positive updates regarding the resumption of flights to Europe and the UK. During a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Civil Aviation Authority in Karachi, it was disclosed that the airline had completely overhauled its pilots’ licensing exam system, improving flight safety standards.
Hope for Resumption: European Union’s Safety Standards
In November 2024, EASA is expected to review the measures taken by PIA. Given the improvements already implemented, there is strong hope that PIA will resume its European and UK flights by the end of the year. It was also reported that all commercial and chartered flights passing over the European Union must obtain a TCO (Third Country Operator) authorization. This regulation, enforced in 2016, ensures that all aircraft operating within European nations meet the safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
For commercial flights to be granted TCO approval, they must submit their aircraft and safety program information to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency for review. This process ensures that all airlines operating in European airspace meet international safety requirements.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for PIA
The lifting of the EASA ban and PIA’s efforts to improve safety standards bring hope for the airline’s resurgence in the European market. With the goal of resuming flights to popular destinations and expanding its fleet, PIA is set for a new chapter. This step not only enhances the airline’s prospects but also contributes to Pakistan’s broader aviation sector's growth, making the resumption of flights a much-awaited milestone for both PIA and its passengers.
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