Since the inception of PSO, Aviation and Marine (A&M) Department has played an important role by not only making significant contribution to the success of the company but also through adding value to the industry by introducing high standards of service and safety.
At the time of partition of the Subcontinent in 1947, only one company, Standard Vacuum Oil Co, was catering to the aviation needs of the region. Subsequently, ESSO and Shell Pakistan Limited entered the field. Following the merger of ESSO, PNO and Premier Oil in 1976, PSO started offering fuelling services to its customers. For years, the company did what it did the best - delivered effective and efficient fuelling services safely - until it was time to grow.
From day one it was realised that for PSO to attain leadership role in aviation business, it had to join hands with an internationally-accredited company having wide research base. PSO signed an agreement with Air Total International as their technical partners in order to share not only the know-how but also to benefit from their strong standing in the global aviation market.
Joint training programs arranged by Air Total International abroad helped PSO's staff keep abreast of the modern techniques and gain in-depth knowledge essential for better managing supply and identifying problem areas for improved controls.
PSO applied the lessons learnt along the way. The company grew, as did our reputation for quality, reliability and safety. On the way, PSO has experienced economic and organisational changes. But something that has remained constant is PSO's quest to earn respect and confidence of its workforce and valued domestic, as well as international, clients. PSO's commitment to professionalism with integrity, maintaining quality of product, on-time delivery to the aircraft and adherence to industry standards remains the hallmark of the company work ethics.
In 1999, PSO took the lead by stepping forward and investing a significant amount by constructing state-of-the-art fuel hydrant system at the newly- developed Allama Iqbal International Airport at Lahore.
It employs fully- automated PLC-controlled fuel hydrant system with emergency shut-off, radar-controlled tank gauging for fuel storage and other most advanced safety and quality control systems. To meet growing needs of the customers and in line with our aggressive marketing strategy, PSO has won exclusive rights of fuelling aircraft at the newly-built Sialkot International Airport, which will be inaugurated very soon.
Growth also brings responsibility. Through its journey, Aviation in PSO has learnt more than the art of customer satisfaction - it cares about the world it operates in. From this care, comes its resolve to take responsibility to ensure that the growth is sustainable and beneficial for all stakeholders. Embedded in PSO's key objectives is the commitment to the health and safety of stakeholders as well as the environment. Aviation in PSO complies with international standards. All its eight aviation stations are ISO 9001-2000 certified and maintain high standards of safety for men and material.
Likewise, PSO has significantly excelled in the Marine business and retained its market leadership. A special quality treatment unit - Precoat Unit - was installed in year 1997 to cater to the special HSDO requirement of the entire Pakistan Navy fleet. It ensures bright and clear filtered HSDO, which not only enhances the life of the machinery but also helps preserve the environment.
To further facilitate supplies to Pakistan Navy, a pipeline has also been laid at OP-III. In line with the soon-to-be-introduced environment laws by International Maritime Organisation (IMO), PSO is in the process of implementing MARPOL Annex VI (Marine Pollution) for bunker supplies.
Being a responsible corporate citizen, PSO has always volunteered to support community at times of need. In line with the company's corporate policy, Aviation played its role during the disaster times, be it the earthquake of October 8, 2005 or the earlier Tsunami crisis.