Cabinet relaxes rules for international flights of private airlines
In a significant move to support Pakistan’s aviation sector, the federal
cabinet has approved a relaxation of the National Aviation Policy (NAP) 2019,
allowing Serene Air to begin international operations and Airblue to continue
its overseas flights. This decision comes in response to the financial
struggles faced by airlines globally following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the existing policy, Article 4.5(a)(iv) mandates that domestic
carriers operate at least 5% of their capacity—measured in available seat
kilometers—on primary and socio-economic routes. However, both Airblue and
Serene Air have faced difficulties meeting this requirement due to the
widespread disruption caused by the pandemic.
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starts weekly flights between Lahore and Riyadh
Airblue, which currently operates flights to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, was
at risk of losing its international designation. Serene Air, on the other hand,
had requested permission to expand its international services to destinations
such as the UK, China, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Recognizing these challenges, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
submitted a request to relax the policy, stressing the need to support airlines
in maintaining or expanding their international operations to ensure their
financial sustainability. Serene Air has also pledged to fulfill the NAP 2019
requirements for primary and socio-economic routes once the pandemic’s effects
subside.
The cabinet has now approved the proposal, granting Airblue and Serene Air
the necessary designation to operate internationally on routes covered by
Pakistan’s Air Services Agreements (ASAs), which are in place with 98
countries. These agreements facilitate such operations, including provisions
for multiple airline designations.
Read More Pakistani
Airlines hopeful of resumption of flights to Europe, US
This policy relaxation aligns with the objectives of NAP 2019 to strengthen
Pakistan's aviation industry, particularly in the face of unprecedented
challenges. The cabinet’s decision highlights the government’s commitment to
supporting local carriers as they recover from the pandemic and continue to
grow in the global aviation market.
Source: Profit Pakistan