PCAA penalizes Serene Air over safety non-compliance, fleet shortage
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority
(PCAA) has suspended the operating licences of Serene Air (Pvt) Limited with
immediate effect after the airline failed to meet mandatory safety and fleet
requirements, effectively grounding its operations across the country.
According to an official
notification issued on Thursday, Serene Air no longer maintains the minimum
number of serviceable aircraft required to sustain safe and reliable flight
operations. The PCAA declared the airline “incapable of maintaining operational
capacity”, citing full non-compliance with aviation safety regulations. Both AOC
No. AOC-031/16-AL and AOC-032/17-CH have been suspended, with the airline
directed to surrender the certificates to the Directorate of Flight Standards.
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The move comes amid mounting financial and operational troubles for Serene Air, which has been struggling with grounded aircraft, delayed maintenance, and cash flow challenges. Industry analysts warn the suspension could deepen the aviation sector’s instability, already under pressure from high fuel prices, foreign exchange shortages, and tightening regulatory oversight.
Passengers with existing bookings
are now stranded, as Serene Air cannot legally resume operations until it restores
its fleet and regains regulatory clearance. Aviation experts caution that
unless the airline secures urgent financial support, its return to service
could face significant delays—potentially leading to job losses and reduced
competition in Pakistan’s domestic market.
In a statement, the PCAA confirmed
the suspension, saying, “The Air Operator Certificate of Serene Air has been
suspended due to the unavailability of serviceable aircraft. Reinstatement will
be considered once the airline’s fleet is operationally restored.”
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Sources within Serene Air expressed cautious optimism, noting that one aircraft is expected to return from C-check maintenance by October 12, while another—damaged in a bird strike in Jeddah—should be back in service soon. The remaining aircraft are awaiting engine replacements, which are currently being processed.
The suspension marks a serious
setback for Serene Air, once a promising private carrier, now battling to stay
afloat amid Pakistan’s increasingly turbulent aviation landscape.
Source: Profit Pakistan