“These actions constitute a direct attack on aviation safety and professional ethics,” says SEAP
The engineering department of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has reportedly launched punitive measures against aeronautical engineers who refuse to compromise on the safety of passengers and aircraft.
Engineers who strictly adhere to international maintenance standards are targets of warning letters, warnings and forced transfers. The Society of Aeronautical Engineers of Pakistan (SEAP) strongly condemned the measures, saying such pressure and intimidation not only compromised flight safety but also damaged the reputation of the national airline.
“Rather than addressing fundamental problems such as shortages of spare parts, poor planning and unprofessional management, the administration is targeting the very professionals responsible for enforcing safety standards.”
SEAP strongly supports that every engineer be harassed or punished for carrying out their professional duties with integrity.
“These actions constitute a direct attack on aviation safety and professional ethics,” the company added.
Read: PIA accuses engineers of derailing privatization process
SEAP has confirmed that it will challenge any illegal measures in court and report these abuses to international aviation bodies, including Aircraft Engineers International (AEI). “No compromise on safety: no engineer can be forced to sign off on a dangerous aircraft,” stressed the SEAP.
Row of PIA engineers
The PIA canceled five flights after its engineers union disrupted its operations, the national airline said in a statement on Friday. The airline claimed that the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan, an unrecognized body, attempted to disrupt PIA’s operations late Thursday night, “with the nefarious aim of sabotaging the privatization process.”
“Management, in cooperation with those responsible for key positions in the engineering department, responded quickly. Using alternative means and working tirelessly day and night, they restored operations, thereby mitigating the impact of already delayed flights,” the statement said.
Learn more: PIA fires two senior SAEP officials over continued flight disruptions
PIA confirmed that five flights were canceled after load readjustments and alternative arrangements were offered to affected passengers. The airline assured that flight operations have been fully restored and “customer comfort remains our top priority.”
On Monday, flight operations were suspended following a standoff between PIA and its aeronautical engineers, who stopped issuing airworthiness clearances in protest against the behavior of the airline’s chief executive. The suspension grounded 12 international flights after 8 p.m., causing difficulties for passengers, especially Umrah pilgrims. SAEP announced that its members would not return to work until the CEO changed his behavior.
