The Chairman of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Tariq Kirmani, has said that the national flag carrier's planes are 100 percent safe, and certified by CAA, Iata, and European certificate Easa.
Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday at the PIA Headquarters, he said that PIA has made an alternative plan to resume all flights to European Union (EU) and USA till March 28. He said that PIA has chalked out two emergency plans for restoration of flights to EU and USA: first till March 15; and another to be implemented till March 28, 2007.
He said that PIA has seven Boeing-777 in its fleet. In line with these emergency plans, one or two more planes would be inducted in the fleet to resume 100 percent operation to USA and EU. He added that one A-310 plane has already been brought on lease.
Kirmani said that PIA has decided to reduce its flights to small and unprofitable destinations and concentrate on flights only for main hubs of EU and USA, wherefrom connecting flights would be provided to the passengers. The new flight schedule would be issued by airline on Wednesday, he added.
He said that PIA has still not received flight 'ban' to EU, in writing, which has been imposed without charge sheet. He criticised the EU decision and said that the 'ban' on PIA flights "is discrimination" with Pakistan, and termed it as an "unacceptable restriction".
"PIA has better record of flights for air safety, as compared to other countries, including EU, but it (EU) can do anything it wants to do," he added. Kirmani said that PIA has consulted legal advisors, on the 'ban' issue by EU, who have also said that this case was a deliberate attempt against PIA. "However, PIA will not go to court against this decision, because it will be waste of time," he added.
He said: "This vindicates PIA's flight standards and allied processes, which facilitate the continued operations of all of its Boeing-777s which are state-of-the-art aircraft, maintained and operated by PIA."
He said that facts would show that PIA has a better safety record than even some major European airlines. He said that in the meeting with EU's ASC (Air Safety Committee) at Brussels, top representatives duly appreciated the efforts of PIA in this context.
PIA gives top priority to air safety and conforms to the requisite maintenance practices and standards for its fleet and this is borne out by its safety record during its over 50 years history, he added. He said that PIA also continues to maintain and service the aircraft of other international operators in different parts of the world, including EU.
He pointed out that PIA's Maintenance and Engineering Department is certified by European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and is also currently registered by Iata through its Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), being among 63 airlines out of 300 airlines to have achieved this distinction.
Major PIA Departments also have ISO 9000 Certification. In this background, PIA's aircraft are eligible to fly to most parts of the world, without any restrictions, he added.
PIA's new fleet modernisation plan, to bring down the average age of the fleet to respectable 10 years, the Engineering Management, in conjunction with CAA, has increased technical surveillance, he said. More time on ground is being given to aircraft's, refurbishment plan for 10 B-747/A3 aircraft has been chalked out and total refurbishment of B-747/A3 10 fleet will be accomplished by the mid of year 2007, he added
Kirmani said that PIA has already undertaken measures to mitigate the effect of this operational restriction in the EU countries and "assures its customers that it will make endeavours to minimise any dislocation".
He said that during the last quarter of 2006, EU had raised issues regarding PIA's certain aircraft, in which respect PIA fully co-operated with EU's Air Safety Committee (EU's ASC) and established an Action Plan with clear milestones duly endorsed by CAA and accepted by EU's ASC to fulfil EU instructions.