Statement released by so-called Engineering Society contained misleading facts, spokesperson says
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has strongly rejected allegations of mismanagement made by the “so-called engineering company”, terming the statements as an attempt to undermine the domestic aviation sector for personal gain, while reiterating its full compliance with international aviation standards.
In a detailed response issued to recent media reports regarding its operations and maintenance of its aircraft, a PIA spokesperson said the airline’s management had exercised restraint over the past two days, avoiding unnecessary statements.
However, a statement issued by the so-called “Engineering Society” contained inaccurate data and misleading facts, which attracted media attention and unwarranted international scrutiny. PIA described this as an attempt to undermine the national aviation sector for personal gain, adding that these elements are neither sympathetic nor professional in their conduct.
Read: PIA engineers face lawsuits for refusing to compromise on safety
He stressed that the responsibility for aviation safety in Pakistan lies with the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan (CAA), which regulates all airlines, including PIA, according to the highest international standards. “All aspects of aircraft operation – from use and replacement of parts to flightability, routes and scheduling – are approved by the Civil Aviation Authority in accordance with international law,” he added.
The spokesperson pointed out that Pakistan’s aviation sector has undergone several audits, which has enabled PIA to resume direct flights to Europe and the United Kingdom. The concerns raised by the company, PIA claims, are unfounded and appear to be motivated by opposition to privatization and wage increases.
He also criticized the company’s self-proclaimed chairman and general secretary for their lack of qualifications recognized by the Engineering Council of Pakistan, saying they are not allowed to work on aircraft. The airline said its actions were politically and personally motivated and aimed to undermine PIA’s structure and hinder its profitability and network expansion.
Clarifications on aircraft safety
Responding to reports of an incident on an aircraft windshield, the spokesperson explained: “The windshield has three reinforced layers, and only the inner layer was cracked, which poses no risk to flight safety. » He added that similar incidents occur internationally with airlines such as Singapore Airlines, American Airlines and Virgin, with replacement procedures considered standard practice.
Photos released showing windshield repairs done with duct tape were also misleading, PIA said. All steel tapes or strips presented were temporary during the curing process and did not compromise safety.
Read also: PIA accuses the body of engineers of derailing the privatization process
Contrary to allegations of engineers’ strikes, PIA said no flights were canceled due to staff protests. Recent cancellations and delays have been caused by technical problems and unavailability of spare parts. On Sunday, nine flights were canceled and 18 delayed on domestic and international routes, including Abu Dhabi-Peshawar, Dubai-Karachi and Islamabad-Skardu, with delays ranging from three to 10 hours.
The spokesperson reiterated that management has not taken any retaliatory action against the engineers and continues to operate with patience. However, former company executives, whose dismissal proceedings have lasted four months, have exploited their political influence to spread misleading narratives.
The Society of Aircraft Engineers responds
The Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SEAP) has criticized the PIA’s alleged crackdown on engineers, saying warning letters, warning notices and forced transfers were being used against personnel adhering to international maintenance standards. SEAP said the measures put flight safety and the airline’s reputation at risk.
The company attributed the flight disruptions mainly to administrative failures and shortages of spare parts rather than technical staff. A grounded plane in Karachi, registered AP-BMY, remained out of service due to missing components including a thrust reverser, leading to the cancellation of flights such as PK-213, PK-214, PK-223 and PK-284.
“Maintenance cannot be compromised under any circumstances,” SEAP said, emphasizing that current technical obstacles arise from administrative shortcomings and not technical failures.
PIA’s flight operations were disrupted following a conflict between the airline and its aeronautical engineers, who halted the issuance of airworthiness clearances in protest against the behavior of the airline’s managing director.
The disruption grounded 12 international flights after 8 p.m., causing significant inconvenience to passengers, particularly Umrah pilgrims. The Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP) had announced that its members would not return to work until the CEO changes his conduct.
