PIA has been notified by the Air Safety Committee of the European Union that the restriction imposed by them on a segment of the Airline's fleet is expected to be partially lifted from July 6, 2007, says a press release on Friday.
It will be recalled that the restriction was imposed by EU on March 6, 2007, which disallowed PIA from operating its Boeing 747's and Airbus 310's (a fleet of 20 aircraft) to European destinations. The relaxation announced will enable PIA to operate eleven designated Boeing 747's and Airbus 310's aircraft into Europe.
The remaining fleet of similar aircraft will be reviewed in September/ October timeframe, when full removal of the restriction will be considered. PIA Chairman, Zaffar A Khan commenting on the decision, said he was pleased with the progress the Airline had made to overcome the EU concerns.
He said the past 4 months was a dark chapter in the history of the Airline, adding the airline had addressed the EU concerns with diligence and speed. A detailed recovery action plan had been developed and substantially implemented.
EU's Air Safety Commission has carefully monitored the PIA's corrective actions and the easing of the restriction reflects their satisfaction of the progress being made.
The Chairman said that, as a consequence of the work done, he feels the Airline had strengthened the safety and reliability of its fleet. Whilst appreciating the efforts of the PIA team he added that there was no room for complacency. He said the airline must continue to focus on safety and reliability as the highest priority in its operation.-PR