PCAA rubbishes report on corruption in Walton Aerodrome
In response to a media report on the relocation of flight
operations from Walton Aerodrome, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA)
has vehemently denounced it, asserting that the claims within are unfounded and
misleading. The authority emphasizes that the decision to relocate was
primarily driven by safety considerations rather than any ulterior motives.
The press statement issued by the PCAA highlights that the report
referenced a letter from the Aircraft Owners and Operators Association (AOOA)
to a senior government official, deeming it fictitious and aimed at tarnishing
the reputation of the Civil Aviation Authority.
Providing context, the PCAA underscores significant safety
concerns surrounding the continuation of flight operations at Walton Aerodrome,
necessitating a proposal to relocate training and other operations to a more
suitable site. The decision stemmed from escalating risks posed by aviation
activities to densely populated commercial and residential areas surrounding
the aerodrome.
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Furthermore, it is clarified that the Punjab Government approached
the Federal Government in 2020/21 to acquire Walton Aerodrome's land for the
Lahore Central Business District project, a transaction endorsed by both
federal and provincial cabinets in 2021. Subsequently, the PCAA was directed to
transfer the land to the Lahore Central Business District Development
Authority, with ownership divided between the PCAA and the Punjab
Government/Central Business District Development Authority.
The transfer of Walton Aerodrome's land to the Central Business
District Development Authority of Punjab was conducted within this framework,
with the authority overseeing the project's development and execution.
In tandem with this, the PCAA has procured 480 acres of land in
Muridke from the Punjab Government to establish a new General Aviation
Aerodrome, nearing completion.
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The press statement underscores that the author of the letter and
subsequent news item appears to have malicious intent, aiming to mislead the
public. Moreover, it criticizes the media report for failing to seek the PCAA's
perspective, contravening journalistic norms.
Finally, the PCAA reaffirms its commitment to maintaining and
enhancing civil aviation safety standards, ensuring compliance with the highest
safety protocols within the framework of the International Civil Aviation
Organization.
Source: https://mettisglobal.news/