Technical issues ground half of PIA's fleet

Airline lacks resources to repair inactive aircraft, sources say

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) fleet, originally consisting of 33 aircraft, has shrunk further due to technical issues, leaving only 16 planes available for domestic and international flights. Of the 12 Boeing 777s in the PIA's fleet, only five are currently operational.

According to sources, the national flag carrier's operational condition has worsened due to alleged negligence and carelessness by the PIA's management, particularly within the engineering department.

Out of the 33 aircraft, only 16 are flight-ready, while around 17 planes are grounded due to a lack of spare parts, engine checks, and other reasons. This includes a significant portion of the long-haul Boeing 777s, of which the PIA owns nine, with three leased.

Of the 16 Airbus A320s, only 10 are currently in service, and among the smaller-capacity ATR planes, only one is operational. The ATR aircraft are typically used by the PIA for shorter routes, including flights to northern regions and parts of Balochistan.

The sources said the PIA lacks the resources to repair inactive aircraft or procure spare parts, which has exacerbated the already critical situation.

Parliamentary Secretary for Communication Gul Asghar Khan on Wednesday informed the lower house of parliament that the final auction of the state-owned PIA Corporation would be held on October 30.

The parliamentary secretary was responding to the query of MNA Sharmila Faruqui during the seventh meeting of the 10th National Assembly session.

Gul Asghar Khan said the PIA privatization was a detailed process conducted under the elaborate structure of privatization. The process was initiated in February 2024 and would be finalized on October 30, he added.