AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Karachi, February 16, 2014 (PPI-OT): PIA gets ready for European Union certification, acquisition of ATR Simulator, launching of flights to Iran and revised policy for award of GSAs through Board of Directors. These decisions were taken at PIA’s 354th Board of Directors meeting held at PIA Head Office.
The meeting was presided by Secretary Aviation and Chairman PIA Mr.Syed Muhamamd Ali Gardezi. Mr. Aslam Khaliq, Mr.Azam Saigol, Mr.Ghiasuddin Ahmed, Mr.Atif Bajwa, Mr.Nazir Malik, Mr.Waqar Yusuf, and MD PIA were also present in the meeting. According to decisions of BOD PIA will acquire revalidation of EASA (European Union Safety Agency) certification by end March before the new aircraft on dry lease are inducted in PIA fleet.
This is an essential requirement for the airline to keep its operation in the western world but also is imperative to obtain EASA-145 otherwise the new aircrafts will have to be sent abroad for inspection and maintenance checks which certainly become very expensive and financially unviable. However, CAA will conduct its inspections prior to that.
Board approved acquisition of Simulator for the ATR aircraft which not only will save huge expenses being incurred on its pilots while getting training from abroad but also will pave way for generation of revenues by training other airlines both foreign as well as local.
For having more transparency in its sales business it has been decided that in future the award of GSAs will be approved through BOD approval.
As per Prime Minister’s advice Board also reviewed airline’s preparation of launch of flights to Mashad (Iran) and gave its consent. PIA’s twice weekly operation to Mashad will be from Lahore via Quetta by 25th February.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Aviation Mr. Shujaat Azeem gave a detailed briefing to the Board on the Revival Plan for PIA. Meanwhile Shujaat Azeem inspected the maintenance facility of other airlines at Karachi Airport.
For more information, contact:
Muhammad Mashhood Tajwar
General Manager
Public Affairs
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
PIA Head Office Airport
Karachi
Office: +92-21-9904-3823
Cell: +92-322-7420707
Fax: +9221 3457 2225, 3457 0419