Pakistani airlines eye resumption of Europe flights

In 2020, a scandal involving suspicious pilot licenses led to a ban on all Pakistani airlines in Europe and the UK.

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A meeting of the European Aviation Safety Committee is scheduled to begin in Brussels on November 19, 2024, where the potential resumption of Pakistani airlines, including national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), in European airspace is expected to be discussed.

The meeting will bring together representatives from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), aviation officials from various European nations, and a delegation from Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Express News reported.

Sources say that Pakistan’s Civil Aviation officials have finalized a plan for the restoration of Pakistani airlines' operations in European countries. The proposal, which aims to address the concerns that led to the initial restrictions, will be presented to European authorities.

It’s worth noting that in July 2020, a scandal involving suspicious pilot licenses led to a ban on all Pakistani airlines, including PIA, in Europe and the UK.

Earlier in September the CAA informed the EASA that it has fulfilled all conditions related to aviation safety and has requested permission for the national flag carrier PIA to resume flights to the European Union and United Kingdom.

According to sources, several online technical sessions have took place between the CAA and EASA officials. During these extensive sessions, discussions focused on the restoration of PIA flights to Europe and the UK.

In these sessions, which lasted several hours, the CAA team briefed European officials on the safety measures taken by Pakistan. It informed EASA that it had completed all the required conditions set by the agency. The CAA also requested that the EU authority grant immediate permission for the restoration of Pakistani airlines.

According to sources, the government wants PIA flights to Europe and the UK to resume before the privatization process of PIA is completed.

Overseas Pakistani entity offers over Rs130b for PIA acquisition

An overseas Pakistani group has proposed to acquire Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for over Rs130 billion, including a pledge to settle the airline's Rs250 billion debt.

The group had initially proposed a Rs 125 billion bid and later raised the proposed amount to Rs 130 billion.

The group, Al Nahang, had reportedly sent a formal offer via email to the ministers of privatisation, aviation, and defence, outlining its vision to revitalise PIA.

In addition to debt repayment, Al Nahang’s proposal promises not to lay off PIA employees and offers a phased plan to double salaries across 30 pay periods.

The group has also presented a comprehensive business plan, which includes adding modern aircraft to PIA’s fleet and developing the airline into a maintenance hub for other carriers.