PIA aircraft maintenance conducted under PCAA's supervision, airline reiterates

PIA claims that staff disputes had no role in recent flight disruptions
View of a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) passenger plane, taken through a glass panel, at Islamabad International Airport, Pakistan, October 3, 2023. — Reuters
View of a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) passenger plane, taken through a glass panel, at Islamabad International Airport, Pakistan, October 3, 2023. — Reuters

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has reiterated its commitment to aircraft safety, assuring that all maintenance activities are conducted under the strict oversight of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). 

In a statement released on Monday, the airline highlighted that the PCAA is the sole regulatory agency responsible for enforcing national air safety regulations.

PIA stressed that aircraft maintenance, including parts replacement, fitness checks, route planning, and schedule modifications, is performed only with explicit permission from the PCAA. The airline underscored that all carriers, including PIA, are required to comply with the rigorous regulations, inspections, and approvals mandated by the authority.

According to PIA, these safety protocols are subject to regular audits and align with international civil aviation standards, ensuring the highest levels of safety for passengers.

In response to recent media rumours, PIA firmly denied assertions that an engineering staff strike was responsible for recent flight cancellations. The airline clarified that the disruptions were due to weather-related factors, operational adjustments, and scheduling decisions, with no involvement from staff disputes.

PIA reassured that management is addressing the situation amicably and confirmed that no engineers have faced disciplinary action.

As the national flag carrier, PIA emphasised that the resources and reputation of the airline belong to the people of Pakistan. The statement concluded by reaffirming the dedication of both management and employees to uphold the institution's and the country's reputation, highlighting that this responsibility is a shared commitment.