PIA engineers face action for refusing to compromise on safety

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) engineering department has reportedly initiated punitive actions against aircraft engineers who refuse to compromise on passenger and aircraft safety.

Engineers adhering strictly to international maintenance standards are being targeted with warning letters, caution notices, and forced transfers. The Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SEAP) has strongly condemned these measures, stating that such pressure and intimidation not only jeopardise flight safety but also damage the national airline’s reputation.

"Rather than addressing core issues such as spare parts shortages, poor planning, and unprofessional management, the administration is targeting the very professionals responsible for upholding safety standards".

SEAP stands firmly with every engineer being harassed or punished for performing their professional duties with integrity.

“These actions constitute a direct attack on aviation safety and professional ethics,” the society added.

Read: PIA accuses engineers' body of derailing privatisation process

SEAP has confirmed it will challenge all illegal measures in court and highlight these abuses to international aviation bodies, including Aircraft Engineers International (AEI). “No compromise on safety — no engineer can be forced to sign off on an unsafe aircraft,” SEAP emphasised.

The PIA Union Air League and Senior Staff Officers Association (SASA) also voiced support for SEAP, condemning what they described as retaliatory actions against its officials. The unions termed the dismissal of SEAP’s president and general secretary an excessive administrative move, urging the PIA management to reinstate the officials and resolve matters through dialogue rather than confrontation. 

PIA engineers row

The PIA cancelled five flights after its engineers’ union disrupted operations, the national flag carrier said in a statement on Friday. The airline claimed that the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan, a derecognised body, tried to halt PIA operations during the late hours on Thursday "with a nefarious design to sabotage the privatisation process".

“The management, in cooperation with the key post holders in the Engineering Department, promptly responded. By using alternative means and working tirelessly day and night, they restored operations, thus mitigating the impact of already delayed flights,” the statement said.

Read more: PIA sacks two senior SAEP officials amid ongoing flight disruptions

PIA confirmed that five flights were cancelled after load readjustments, and alternate arrangements were offered to affected passengers. The airline assured that flight operations were being fully restored and that "customer convenience remains our utmost priority".

On Monday, flight operations were suspended following a standoff between PIA and its aircraft engineers, who stopped issuing airworthiness clearances in protest against the behaviour of the airline’s chief executive. The suspension left 12 international flights grounded after 8pm, causing difficulties for passengers, including Umrah pilgrims. The SAEP had announced its members would not return to work until the CEO changes his conduct.