A man enters the offices of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in Islamabad, Pakistan, April 12, 2016. PHOTO: REUTERS
LAHORE:
The dispute between the management of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the Society of Aeronautical Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP) further intensified on Wednesday when the national carrier transferred six aeronautical engineers from Peshawar to Karachi, drawing sharp criticism from the engineering body.
The transfer orders come as the airline continues to face widespread flight delays and cancellations at major airports, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated across the country.
PIA’s flight schedule remained heavily disrupted, with several domestic and international routes affected.
At Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, flights PK303 to Karachi and PK302 from Karachi were cancelled. Karachi-bound PK305 was delayed by six hours, while flight PK248 from Dammam to Lahore was delayed by 22 hours.
At Islamabad International Airport, flight PK601 to Gilgit was cancelled, as were PK602 and PK604 from Gilgit to Islamabad. Jeddah-bound PK741 was delayed by four hours, while flights to Karachi and Skardu were also delayed.
At Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, flights PK302 and PK306 to Lahore were cancelled. PK501 to Turbat was delayed, PK304 to Lahore was delayed by ten hours and PK370 to Islamabad was delayed by three hours.
At Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar, flight PK218 to Doha and return flight PK286 from Doha were delayed by 18 hours each.
“Not on strike”
Meanwhile, the Society of Aeronautical Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP) issued a statement rejecting the strike allegations, clarifying that its members “would never compromise on flight safety or airworthiness standards.”
“All engineers are on duty and carry out their responsibilities in strict compliance with aviation safety and technical regulations,” said the SAEP spokesperson.
The engineers body said it was only a matter of clearing aircraft deemed fully fit and airworthy, while any aircraft with technical or safety issues were grounded in accordance with international safety standards.
The statement said passenger safety and flight safety will not be subject to any pressure or coercion, adding that engineers “will not deviate from safety standards at any cost.”
The SAEP also expressed concern over the management’s recent actions, including the transfer of six engineers from Peshawar to Karachi, calling it an “unnecessary decision” that had the potential to worsen the situation.
Dismissing rumors that engineers were against privatization of the airline, the SAEP spokesperson said it was incorrect to assume that engineers were against the move. “They support it, provided that the national carrier has a stable and professionally managed structure.”
The association further demanded salary increase after eight years and timely supply of aircraft spare parts to ensure continued compliance with global aviation standards.
“SAEP remains committed to maintaining Pakistan’s aviation sector as safe, professional and aligned with international benchmarks,” the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Secretary for Defense Zeb Jaffar informed the National Assembly on Wednesday that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) had recorded profits for the first time in almost two decades, marking a significant turnaround in its financial performance.
Responding to questions during the session, she said the airline had been in deficit for over 20 years, but had started making a profit in 2022.
According to Zeb Jaffar, PIA earned Rs 23.4 billion in 2022 and Rs 6.8 billion in the first half of 2023 due to improved operational efficiency and workforce restructuring. “An organization that remained in loss for two decades is now profitable. We have streamlined its operations to ensure its long-term viability,” she said.
Highlighting the progress made by the airline, she said PIA has reopened several domestic routes and is operating efficiently in both the local and international sectors. “Previously, the airline operated 32 aircraft, but now it operates only 17,” she added.
Zeb Jaffar said these improvements reflected the government’s commitment to reform and sustainability of the aviation sector.
However, she noted that despite the recovery and improved performance, privatization of PIA had become necessary due to its heavy liabilities and past setbacks.
She said restoring PIA’s credibility within the international aviation community was a major challenge, but the airline had managed to rebuild its reputation and resume international operations.
“Several lines have become profitable again and PIA has regained its value as a national asset,” she added.
Zeb Jaffar stressed that given the airline’s financial burden and accumulated debts, privatization was the most practical measure to ensure long-term stability. “The federal cabinet has decided to privatize PIA after careful consideration of all aspects,” she said.
Replying to another question, she clarified that PIACL had not received any bailout package of Rs24 billion. Instead, the airline secured this amount as bridge financing facilities from the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan in different tranches to maintain its operations despite severe cash flow constraints.
“As part of the ongoing debt restructuring process, Rs 17 billion of this amount has been transferred to PIAHCL, while Rs 7 billion remains with PIACL and is still payable,” she explained.
The chair refers the matter to the appropriate committee at the request of the mover.
