Photo : Wikipedia
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is in the final stages of its privatization process, a crucial development aimed at restructuring the national carrier amidst formidable financial and operational hurdles. In a comprehensive briefing to the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Aviation, Saif Anjum, Secretary of the aviation division, provided detailed insights into PIA's current operational framework.
PIA currently manages a fleet comprising 34 aircraft, out of which 21 are owned by the airline itself, while the remaining 13 are leased under dry arrangements. Despite this substantial fleet size, PIA supports a workforce totaling 10,323 employees. This includes 7,399 regular staff members and 2,924 outsourced personnel, reflecting a significant human resource commitment that the airline sustains.
The briefing also addressed critical issues pertaining to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), which oversees operations at 22 of the country's 43 airports, including 13 international airports. The committee highlighted budgetary constraints that have impeded the authority's ability to acquire modern equipment necessary for enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring robust safety measures across its jurisdiction.
Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel
Similarly, representatives from the Airport Security Force (ASF) voiced concerns over insufficient funding, which has hampered their efforts to procure updated security gadgets. Despite these challenges, the ASF reported progress in acquiring new equipment, including advanced baggage scanning technologies, aimed at bolstering airport security measures.
The committee session also brought attention to infrastructure deficiencies, such as the presence of cracks in the aircraft parking area at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport. Acknowledging these issues, PCAA officials assured ongoing renovations to address and mitigate such concerns promptly.
In terms of operational oversight and service quality, committee members emphasized the need for improvements in in-flight catering services and the conduct of PCAA staff towards passengers. Secretary Anjum reaffirmed the government's commitment to holding private airlines accountable for flight delays, having issued notices to carriers like Air Blue and Air Sial in response to frequent service disruptions.
Moreover, discussions delved into the viability of specific flight routes, particularly the Islamabad-Lahore corridor, highlighting operational challenges and commercial considerations that impact private airline operations.
Looking forward, the committee was briefed on the draft 'Civil Unmanned Aircraft Rules, 2024', a regulatory framework aimed at governing drone usage within Pakistan's airspace. The policy is currently under review and slated for presentation to the federal cabinet for approval, reflecting ongoing efforts to modernize aviation regulations and address emerging technological challenges.
In summary, the briefing underscored Pakistan's concerted efforts to reform its aviation sector, balancing regulatory imperatives with operational realities to enhance safety, efficiency, and service standards across the country's airspace and airport infrastructure.
#trending #latest #PIA #AviationPakistan #CivilAviation #AirportSecurity #AviationNews #FlightDelays #AviationSafety #AviationIndustry #AirlineIndustry #Privatization #breakingnews #worldnews #headlines #topstories #globalUpdate #dxbnewsnetwork #dxbnews #dxbdnn #dxbnewsnetworkdnn #bestnewschanneldubai #bestnewschannelUAE #bestnewschannelabudhabi #bestnewschannelajman #bestnewschannelofdubai #popularnewschanneldubai
The tournament, organized by Dubai Sports Council under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum, is the largest of its kind in the UAE, celebrating wome...Read More.
Cuban Reggaeton singer El Taiger, aged 37, tragically passed away on Thursday afternoon after succumbing to a gunshot wound he sustained a week earlier in Miami...Read More.
Ratan Tata: A Legacy of Leadership and Kindness
Ratan Tata Passes Away: Led $100 billion steel-to-software empire from 1991 to 2012, founded by his
The Al Nahyan family's presidential palace, valued at ₹4,078 crore, is equivalent in size to three P
Mangalore Mavericks Football Club and DXB News Network Join Hands for a Grand Partnership and Offici
In an age of technological upheaval and environmental crises, few can effectively shape the future o
Dubai Sports Council Closes Registration for 12th Sheikha Hind Women’s Sports Tournament Today
The tournament, organized by Dubai Sports Council under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum, is the largest of its kind in the UAE, celebrating wome
Cuban Reggaeton Star Dies After Being Shot in Head in Miami Violence
Cuban Reggaeton singer El Taiger, aged 37, tragically passed away on Thursday afternoon after succumbing to a gunshot wound he sustained a week earlier in Miami
Belgian Military Evacuates 100 European Nationals from Lebanon Amid Crisis
A Belgian military plane evacuated over 100 Europeans from Lebanon on Thursday evening, primarily transporting nationals from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Fran
Dubai Silicon Oasis Named Middle East Free Zone of the Year for Innovation Zones
Dubai Silicon Oasis was also recognized as ‘Highly Commended’ in the Global category for Innovation Zones, securing the seventh spot in the Top 10 Global Free Z
Kamala Harris Calls Joe Biden "Courageous" for His 2024 Election Decision
US Vice President Kamala Harris praised Joe Biden's choice to withdraw from the 2024 election race, calling it "one of the most courageous" decisions any presid
Unlocking Inner Peace: The Transformative Journey of Journaling for Mental Clarity
Discover how journaling fosters mental clarity and emotional well-being.
Voice of Japan's Beloved Robot Cat 'Doraemon' Passes Away at 90
Nobuyo Oyama, the Japanese actress renowned for voicing Doraemon, passed away on September 29 at the age of 90 due to natural causes related to old age
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Emirates Down Syndrome Association (EDSA) to enhan
Savoring the Moment: The Transformative Power of Mindful Eating on Nutritional Wellness
Discover how mindful eating fosters healthier choices and boosts nutrition
Unveiling the Microbial Universe: An Introduction to Human Microbiomes
Discover the vital role of microbiomes in human health and nutrition
© DNN. All Rights Reserved.