PIA retrieves aircraft after two-year stranding

Airbus A320 aircraft returns from Jakarta after on Tuesday night

KARACHI:

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) celebrated the return of the first of two stranded Airbus A320 aircraft from Jakarta after a two-year hiatus on Tuesday night.

As per an airline spokesperson, the plane arrived in Karachi via Bangkok. Anticipation grows for the imminent addition of the second aircraft to the PIA fleet, strengthening the airline's domestic and international service capacities.

Sources from the PIA confirm the airline's successful payment of $13 million, securing the release of the first aircraft. The second, also requiring a similar payment, is scheduled to rejoin the PIA fleet shortly. With their return, the PIA's fleet will now boast a total of 16 planes.

This development marks a significant leap for the PIA's efforts to modernize its fleet and enhance operational efficiency. The return of these aircraft opens a new chapter for the airline, promising passengers increased options and contributing to Pakistan's aviation sector.

In October, a high-level delegation led by Aviation Secretary Saif Anjum visited Indonesia to facilitate the repatriation of these two aircraft stranded at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

The delegation comprised PIA CEO Air Vice Marshal (retd) Muhammad Amir Hayat, Chief Engineer Amir Ali, and the East Management deputy engineer.

Sources revealed that PIA had returned two leased Airbus A320 aircraft in September 2021, originally acquired in 2012. This action resulted in substantial financial losses for the national flag carrier due to incurred expenses for parking the planes.

The maintenance costs of these two Airbus A320s sum up to approximately $600,000 monthly. Previously, the airline had proposed covering additional expenses, including aircraft maintenance checks, to the leasing company, AirAsia. However, AirAsia had declined to sell the planes bearing registration numbers: AP-BLY (msn 2926) and AP-BLZ (msn 2944)."