KARACHI: This is with reference to the Civil Aviation Authority’s action to seize the assets of Bhoja Air. This step appears to be geared towards safeguarding interests of the families of the victims of the Bhoja air crash. However, the negative effects of such an extreme coercive action need to be prudently weighed to ensure that the purpose of this move is not converted into mischief.
In aviation, support equipment and aircraft are considered profitable only when they are operational and flying. Parked aircraft have a price that needs to be incurred every day. While it is a good attempt to twist the arms of the Bhoja Air management, at the same time, there is a dire need that both parties act with responsibility and negotiate a productive outcome that serves everyone’s interest — especially that of the bereaved families.
A standoff of a longer duration is bound to be an unproductive exercise and the victims’ families will suffer as a consequence. The Bhoja Air management must meet the expectations of the victims’ families and help them receive their no fault liability claims as soon as possible. There must be a one-window arrangement for the victims’ families and they should not be left at the mercy of unsympathetic persons outside the Bhoja Air premises. The carrier must ensure that the families are given compensation without compelling them to sign undisclosed documents to serve hidden interests of component manufacturers and manufacturers of the ill-fated Boeing aircraft.
Facing the thoughtlessly framed criminal charges seems to be the biggest barrier in the way of the CEO of Bhoja Air. But he must have faith in the country’s judicial system. Criminalising an air crash is rare in aviation history. Surely, he will be exonerated once his belief in the country’s legal system is established.
Dr Abdul Razzaq
A Fokker Crash Affecttee
Published in The Express Tribune, August 14th, 2012.
