SAEP protests PIA’s relocation of aircraft engineers to Karachi

The dispute between Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) management and the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP) escalated further on Wednesday as the national carrier transferred six aircraft engineers from Peshawar to Karachi, drawing vehement criticism from the engineering body.

The transfer orders came as the airline continued to grapple with widespread flight delays and cancellations at major airports, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated across the country.

PIA's flight schedule remained severely disrupted, with several domestic and international routes affected.

At Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport, flight PK303 to Karachi and PK302 from Karachi were cancelled. PK305 to Karachi was delayed by six hours, while flight PK248 from Dammam to Lahore was delayed by 22 hours.

At Islamabad International Airport, flight PK601 to Gilgit was cancelled, as were PK602 and PK604 from Gilgit to Islamabad. PK741 to Jeddah was delayed by four hours, while flights to Karachi and Skardu also faced delays.

At Karachi's Jinnah International Airport, flights PK302 and PK306 to Lahore were cancelled. PK501 to Turbat was delayed, PK304 to Lahore was delayed by ten hours, and PK370 to Islamabad faced a three-hour delay.

At Peshawar's Bacha Khan International Airport, flight PK218 to Doha and return flight PK286 from Doha were delayed by 18 hours each.

'Not on strike'

Meanwhile, the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP) issued a statement rejecting claims of a strike, clarifying that its members would "never compromise on flight safety or airworthiness standards".

"All engineers are on duty and performing their responsibilities strictly in line with aviation safety and technical regulations," the SAEP spokesperson said.

The engineers' body stated that they were only clearing aircraft deemed fully fit and airworthy, while any plane found with technical or safety issues was being grounded in line with international safety standards.

The statement said that passenger safety and flight security will not be subjected to any pressure or coercion, adding that engineers "will not deviate from security standards at any cost".

The SAEP also expressed concern over the management's recent actions, including the transfer of six engineers from Peshawar to Karachi, calling it "an unnecessary move" that risked worsening the situation.

Rejecting rumours that engineers opposed the airline's privatisation, the SAEP spokesperson said it was incorrect to assume engineers were against the move. "They support it, provided the national carrier is given a stable and professionally managed structure."

The association further demanded a salary raise after eight years and the timely provision of aircraft spare parts to ensure continued compliance with global aviation standards.

"SAEP remains committed to maintaining Pakistan's aviation sector as safe, professional, and aligned with international benchmarks," the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Zeb Jaffar on Wednesday informed the National Assembly that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) had recorded profits for the first time in almost two decades, marking a significant turnaround in its financial performance.

Responding to questions during the session, she said the airline had been operating in deficit for over 20 years but started posting profits in 2022.

According to Zeb Jaffar, PIA earned Rs23.4 billion in 2022 and Rs6.8 billion in the first half of 2023 due to improved operational efficiency and workforce restructuring. "An organization that remained in loss for two decades is now reporting profits. We have rationalized operations to ensure long-term sustainability," she said.

Highlighting the airline's progress, she said PIA had reopened several domestic routes and was performing efficiently on both local and international sectors. "Earlier, the airline operated 32 aircraft, but now it runs effectively with only 17," she added.

Zeb Jaffar said these improvements reflected the government's commitment to reform and sustainability in the aviation sector.

However, she noted that despite the recovery and improved performance, PIA's privatization had become necessary due to its heavy liabilities and past setbacks.

She said restoring PIA's credibility in the international aviation community was a major challenge, but the airline had managed to rebuild its reputation and resume international operations.

"Several routes have become profitable again, and PIA has regained its value as a national asset," she added.

Zeb Jaffar emphasized that given the airline's financial burden and accumulated liabilities, privatization was the most practical step for ensuring long-term stability. "The federal cabinet decided to privatize PIA after thorough consideration of all aspects," she said.

Responding to another question, she clarified that PIACL had not received any Rs24 billion bailout package. Instead, the airline obtained this amount as Bridge Financing Facilities from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority in different tranches to maintain operations during severe cash flow constraints.

"As part of the ongoing debt restructuring process, Rs17 billion of this amount has been transferred to PIAHCL, while Rs7 billion remains with PIACL and is still payable," she explained.

The chair referred the matter to the concerned committee on the mover's request.