The efforts of PIA's 'way forward committee' (WFC) have resulted in achieving a historical milestone in the history of Pakistan's commercial aviation by getting approval of altitude capping of direct routes to the domestic flights of the national carrier. This will result in annual savings of more than Rs five billion under the cost cutting initiative.
As per the notification of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Pakistan Air Force (PAF) while pursuing the policy of promoting aviation environment has consented to allow Pakistan registered commercial airlines to utilise already existing direct routes above 35,000 feet for 24 hours, seven days a week. Previously, the flying permissions on the direct routes were not available for commercial aircraft in airspace utilisation during military flying exercises etc.
This allowance is being given on the routes of J-157 (Islamabad-Karachi-Islamabad); J-158 (Peshawar-Karachi-Peshawar); J-159 (Lahore-Quetta-Lahore); and J-160 (Islamabad-Quetta-Islamabad). The notification further stated that Pakistan registered airlines may be allowed to transit PAF training areas on J-157 at FL-350 and above on 24-hour basis. The decision has been welcomed by managements of PIA, Airblue, Shaheen and Air Indus which are operating major domestic operation on these routes. Airlines would be responsible to transmit training area entry and exit timings to respective PAF, Air Traffic Control (ATC) Squadrons, which will manage their traffic accordingly.
'This allowance is facilitation to the local aviation industry by PAF to enable them to save not only revenue through reduced fuel requirement on these routes but also saving time which is even more precious in current competitive environment,' said team leader Way Forward Committee Captain Suhail Baluch.
Chairman Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Muhammad Ali Gardezi had formed the Way Forward Committee only two months back with the aim to provide solutions for revenue enhancement and cost curtailment in PIA. The objectives of the committee are: to recommend methodologies for effective implementation of the 'Fly Smart' program; to define the contours of the 'Flight Watch' program and recommending its effective implementation in PIA; to recommend changes in the current PIA website management, and develop mobile applications to facilitate communications between PIA and its valued passengers/customers.
'Route optimisation was one of the main components of Fly Smart initiative by which PIA could save billions of rupees annually through direct routes on key domestic destinations. Thus with PAF's co-ordination and permission, now route optimisation program will help the national airline save Rs five billion annually,' he added.
Team leader WFC Suhail Baluch who also heads Pakistan Airline Pilots' Association as President, further added that the efforts of Chairman PIA are conducive in making this important initiative a reality for the national airline. 'It is hoped that other initiatives of the Chairman and his team to bring about in PIA will bear fruit soon. It is our aim to make this national asset a profitable entity and we are determined to help it in any possible way,' he added.
Secretary WFC First Officer Syed Chakar Ali Shah said that the WFC was given a mandate by the Chairman under his vision to revive the national flag carrier and we are fortunate to have the approvals from PAF which will change the dynamics of national aviation industry.