Quantcast

Pakistan seeks return of PIA flights to Europe amid privatization push

Research
Webp uefmsw7k0lt5f20uxuve40u9xjr0
Airbus A380 | Airbus

The government of Pakistan is making significant efforts to restore permissions for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to resume flights to Europe and the U.K. ahead of the carrier's planned privatization.

Sources close to the development revealed that multiple technical sessions have been conducted over the past two days between the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and European Union officials. These online sessions lasted several hours, focusing on the steps required to lift the ban on PIA flights in Europe and the U.K.

CAA officials shared progress reports, emphasizing that all targets set by the EU and U.K. have been met, urging authorities to allow PIA’s resumption in these regions.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The airline believes restoration of service is imminent enough that they have initiated catering contracts for Manchester and Birmingham services in the U.K.

Pakistan International Airlines has previously faced severe criticism for various safety issues. The airline was banned from European airspace on June 30, 2020, due to safety-related concerns. Notably, more than 30% of its pilots were found to have fake licenses, and cockpit resource management was virtually non-existent at PIA.

Additionally, flight attendants often seek opportunities to remain abroad when landing outside Pakistan. The national carrier has also struggled financially, limiting its flights due to an inability to afford jet fuel. The government has been attempting a sale despite labor backlash, as privatization threatens existing structures within the carrier known for corruption and inefficiency. Previous protests against privatization turned violent with clashes involving rubber bullets, water cannons, and tear gas.

Before the pandemic, PIA had announced plans to fly to the U.S. starting in 2020 and even claimed that U.S. authorities would allow them to handle their own security procedures.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Lufthansa Group has announced the appointment of Felipe Bonifatti as Vice President Asia Pacific & Joint Ventures East. Based in Singapore, Bonifatti will oversee all commercial activities, including Joint Venture sales, in the Asia Pacific region starting November 1, 2024.

Sep 26, 2024

Union leaders from over 30 countries gathered in Galway this week for the UNI Property Services Global Conference. The conference focused on building union power in the cleaning and security sectors, with delegates voting on strategic initiatives to address low wages, job insecurity, and unsafe working conditions. These initiatives will guide the sector's actions for the next four years.

Sep 26, 2024

Air France is set to enhance its onboard Wi-Fi service, marking a significant move towards providing an upgraded travel experience. Starting in 2025, the airline will gradually introduce ultra-high-speed connectivity for passengers, aiming to offer a "ground-like" internet experience. This new service will be free of charge across all travel cabins and accessible by logging into a Flying Blue account. The rollout will eventually cover all Air France aircraft, replacing the current Wi-Fi offering.

Sep 26, 2024

Eleven civilian employees of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB) have secured a favorable ruling in their federal class action lawsuit against both their employer and the Union of Organized Civilian Employees. The lawsuit accused these entities of illegally discriminating by removing an employer-provided health benefit from employees who chose not to join the union. These employees argued that this action violated their First Amendment rights to abstain from unwanted union affiliation, receiving legal support from National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation attorneys.

Sep 26, 2024

After a summer marked by the excitement of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Air France teams attended the IFTM Top Resa trade fair for three days filled with announcements, conferences, and meetings with tourism professionals.

Sep 24, 2024

A group of Michigan security guards employed by Triple Canopy, Inc. has voted to remove the power of United Government Security Officers of America (UGSOA) union officials to mandate union dues as a condition of employment. The vote, known as a "deauthorization" election, took place by mail in April and May, but the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) only recently released the full vote count.

Sep 23, 2024