Aviation division in order to resolve the grievances of Pakistan Airlines Pilot Association (PALPA) has allowed the captain to operate flights upon satisfaction regarding the implementation of SOP issued by Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) to avert Covid-19 spread.
The directives were made by secretary aviation division Hassan Nasir Jamy at a meeting with the representatives of PALPA at aviation division here on Tuesday. The meeting was convened a day after PALPA sent a letter to the Ghulam Sarwar Awan Federal Minister for Aviation, complaining about PCAA and PIA management for their failure to implement the Covid-19 prevention SOPs during ongoing crisis.
The mismanagement and negligence of the PIA has compromised the health and safety of passengers and flight crew and asked for his intervention otherwise threatened to withdraw any cooperation to present PIA management, the PALPA letter said
Keeping the gravity of the issue in view, the secretary aviation has intervened and resolved the issues between PIA and PALPA, who have finally reached an agreement.
Under the agreement, the airlines will provide the entire protective gear to its pilots and cabin crew with immediate effect.
A pilot-in-command will ensure his/ her satisfaction with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the PCAA. A certificate will be countersigned and verified by the PCAA Inspector from Directorate of Fight Standards and Directorate of Airworthiness.
The CAA Inspector will brief the pilot of the flight, the flight will operate on the satisfaction of the captain, whereas, Airline will not be held responsible.
Furthermore, the Airlines will ensure that the cabin crew and the relevant ground handling staff are fully trained and full compliance to the PCAA SOPs is ensured at every level. The Airlines will be informed in writing by the pilot if one is unwilling to carry on the job due to issues related to Covid-19.