Financial woes force PIA to operate at half capacity
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is currently operating with
only half of its fleet, as officials confirm that 15 out of its 29 modern
aircraft are currently in service due to financial constraints.
This reduction in operational capacity occurred as PIA recently
grounded 14 aircraft, unable to procure necessary spare parts amidst financial
challenges. Official sources reveal that the operational fleet now includes six
Boeing 777 wide-body twin-engine airplanes, eight Airbus A320 narrow-body jets
for short/medium haul routes, and one ATR aircraft.
PIA’s
operational fleet increases to 25 with addition of two aircraft
The ATR aircraft has played a crucial role in facilitating access
to remote destinations across the country, but its services are now impeded by
ongoing financial challenges.
Compounding PIA's difficulties, two Airbus A320 aircraft have been
stranded in Indonesia since September 2021 due to a leasing dispute. While one
of these aircraft was successfully retrieved and reintegrated into the fleet
following a high-level PIA delegation and the aviation secretary's visit in
October, the return of the second stranded Airbus A320 is anticipated by the
end of this month after settling outstanding payments with the leasing company.
PIA
retrieves Airbus A320 stranded in Jakarta for two years
A spokesperson for PIA emphasized the acute funding shortages
affecting the airline, leading to the grounding of several aircraft requiring
spare parts and maintenance. The spokesperson expressed hope that with
government assistance, crucial funding could be secured to revive the majority
of PIA's fleet.
In addition to financial challenges, PIA's operations have been
further disrupted by low visibility and heavy fog, particularly impacting
flights to and from Lahore, Multan, and Sialkot. Passengers are advised to
check flight statuses with the airline's call center before heading to the
airport.
PIA
faces flight disruptions as five aircraft grounded
In a separate development, the Islamabad International Airport
management demonstrated honesty and professionalism by returning a lost bag
containing valuables worth about Rs4 million to a passenger. The bag, left in a
baby changing room in domestic arrivals, contained 110 UK pounds (Rs22,830), 10
tolas of gold, two smartphones, and a Swiss watch. The sanitary attendant,
Sobia Asif, who found the bag, was awarded a certificate of appreciation and a
monetary reward worth Rs25,000 for her honesty and professionalism.
Source: https://www.dawn.com/