Pakistan's National Airline Aims to Resume Europe Flights After Ban Ends

Pakistan's national airline intends to resume flights to Europe after a regulatory ban is lifted. The airline is optimistic about restarting these routes, which were suspended due to safety concerns. With the ban now ending, the airline is working to resume international services and expand its network, marking a positive step towards recovery and regaining international market access.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced on Sunday that it expects to resume European flights soon and is targeting several UK destinations after the EU aviation regulator lifted its ban on the flag carrier.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had suspended PIA’s authorization to operate in the EU in June 2020 due to concerns over Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and its ability to meet international aviation standards.

"PIA plans to approach the UK's Department for Transport (DfT) to restart UK routes, as EASA clearance is a key requirement for their decision," PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan told Reuters.

EASA and UK authorities had suspended PIA’s operating permissions after Pakistan launched an investigation into the validity of pilots' licenses following a fatal plane crash that killed 97 people.

Khan stated that the airline expects to resume flights to Europe, with Paris as the first destination, within the next three to four weeks.

Once PIA receives approval for UK flights, Khan noted that London, Manchester, and Birmingham would be among the top destinations.

PIA, along with the government—which plans to sell a 60% stake in the airline—had urged EASA to lift the ban, even provisionally. The ban had resulted in an annual loss of 40 billion rupees ($144 million) in revenue for the airline.

Khan added that the airline has enough cash flow to introduce new routes. Decisions about leasing new aircraft will depend on the finalization of government discussions regarding the airline’s privatization.

Although PIA holds a 23% share of Pakistan's domestic aviation market, its 34-plane fleet struggles to compete with Middle Eastern carriers, which dominate the market with a 60% share, largely due to the lack of direct flights, despite agreements with 87 countries and key landing slots.

The government’s attempt to privatize the airline failed when it received only a single offer, which was well below the expected price.

“With the resumption of European and UK routes, we foresee increased revenue potential, which would positively impact PIA’s value during the privatization process," Khan stated.

For questions or comments write to writers@bostonbrandmedia.com

Source: Reuters‍