PIA gets all clear to resume Europe flights

EASA says airline demonstrates rule compliance To operate its first flight to EU after 4-year gap PM Shehbaz, Kh

ISLAMABAD:

After nearly four and a half years and a loss of approximately Rs450 billion, the country's aviation authority on Friday finally managed to convince European regulators that Pakistani airlines, including the national carrier, PIA, meet their safety standards and should be permitted to resume operations to destinations in the European Union (EU).

On June 30, 2020, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) imposed a six-month temporary ban on all Pakistani airlines after a government investigation launched in the wake of a PIA plane crash in Karachi revealed that licenses of 262 Pakistani pilots were fake.

EASA, however, did not lift the ban after six months—a suspension of authorization that resulted in a loss of approximately Rs400 billion to PIA and Rs50 billion to other Pakistani airlines.

This month—from November 19 to 21—the European Commission chaired a three-day meeting of the European Air Safety Committee in Brussels to deliberate over a number of matters including resumption of flights by Pakistani airlines to the EU.

The committee also reviewed the safety oversight measures implemented by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and EASA briefed the meeting on a PCAA's report.

Citing sources, a news report published in The Express Tribune on November 22 stated that EASA was likely to announce its decision on Pakistani airlines on December 6.

However, EASA on Friday issued its authorization for PIA, confirming that the airline has demonstrated compliance with the EASA requirements.

"The authorization holder (PIA) is entitled to apply for individual operating permits or equivalent documents to perform commercial air transport operations into, within or out of the territory subject to the provisions of the Treaty in accordance with the conditions defined in the specifications in their latest version as published electronically.

"This authorization remains valid whilst the authorized operator remains in compliance with Part-TCO," it added.

In a statement emailed to Reuters, an EASA spokesperson said the decision to authorize PIA to perform commercial air transport operations to, from and within the EU was based on the "significant efforts" made by the PCAA.

Pakistan had grounded 262 of the country's 860 pilots, including 141 of PIA's 434, whose licences the then aviation minister termed "dubious". The investigation ultimately did not reveal any major concerns, but the suspension remained in place.

Sources revealed that travel restrictions impacted 58 flights weekly to Europe, including 46 weekly flights to England and 12 to other European countries.

PIA in a statement welcomed the announcement, vowing to abide by EASA regulations. The PIA spokesperson said PIA is fully committed to adhering to EASA's regulations and protocols.

"After four years of dedicated efforts, PIA has achieved this milestone, signaling its commitment to international aviation safety standards.

"The lifting of the ban will allow the nation to once again utilize its national carrier for direct travel to European destinations, demonstrating PIA's compliance with global safety measures," he said.

According to sources, PIA has begun work on resuming flight operations to Europe, developing a framework to ensure seamless service restoration. A Transport Certificate of Operation (TCO) is expected next week, enabling PIA to operate its first flight to Europe shortly thereafter.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also hailed the lifting of the ban on the PIA flights. In a statement issued by the PM Office, the prime minister congratulated Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, aviation ministry, authorities of the PCAA and the PIA management.

"Lifting of the ban will strengthen the PIA's reputation and benefit it financially. This reflects the success of Pakistan's policies and it will also facilitate air travel for Pakistanis living in Europe," he added.

Khawaja Asif, while speaking to a private news channel, said the lifting of the ban would revitalize the debt-ridden national flag carrier and the effort to privatize it.

The government's attempt to privatize the airline fell flat when it received only a single offer, that too well below its asking price. "Wonderful news of the lifting of the ban on PIA flights in the entire European Union," Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said in a post on social media platform X.

WITH INPUT FROM REUTERs AND APP