Nearly Half PIA Fleet Still Grounded

In practice, the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Privatisation has triggered concern over Pakistan International Airlines' (PIA) fleet and service quality, with authorities revealing that 16 aircraft are at present grounded while the airline operates only 17 to 18 planes.

Key points

• During a briefing to the committee, authorities stated PIA's aircraft previously had an average age of 21 to 22 years.
• While services to Manchester and Birmingham were projected to start, authorities additionally informed the committee that PIA's London flights had resumed on a daily basis.
• While Sattar stated members were not even participating through Zoom and the committee could not proceed under those circumstances, natasha Daultana objected to holding the session informally.
• The Secretary of the Privatisation Commission remarked passengers were being served meals on London flights and had responded positively to the biryani and pulao offered onboard.
• Committee member Sahar Kamran questioned PIA's service standards despite the tax relief available to the airline.

For context, the committee additionally questioned the airline's performance despite tax relief and expressed concern over the failure to provide a required report on PIA.

Separately, members criticized a number of ministries for failing to respond to parliamentary questions and submit requested information. PIA Officially Announces New CEO. PIA Fleet and Flight Operations.

During a briefing to the committee, authorities stated PIA's aircraft previously had an average age of 21 to 22 years. The airline has received one Boeing Dreamliner, with another projected in January. The two aircraft are between seven and eight years old. Authorities stated efforts were underway to restore grounded planes, with repairs being carried out where suitable engines were available.

While services to Manchester and Birmingham were projected to start, authorities additionally informed the committee that PIA's London flights had resumed on a daily basis. Karachi-London flights are scheduled to commence in March 2027.

For context, the Secretary of the Privatisation Commission remarked passengers were being served meals on London flights and had responded positively to the biryani and pulao offered onboard. PIA Resumes Flights on Major International Route After Months. Committee Questions PIA's Service Quality.

Committee member Sahar Kamran questioned PIA's service standards despite the tax relief available to the airline. While PIA's performance remained unsatisfactory, she remarked private airlines were providing better services and operating flights on time. She additionally expressed concern that the committee had yet to receive the required report on the national carrier.

In response, the Secretary of the Privatisation Commission clarified that PIA had received a sales tax exemption only on the purchase of new aircraft. He remarked the airline had not been granted any other tax exemptions after its privatization. Ministries Criticized Over Missing Responses.

Notably, the committee additionally expressed serious worries over a number of ministries' failure to respond to questions and provide requested information. Farooq Sattar remarked some ministries had submitted no answers, with the words "awaiting response" appearing against the relevant questions. Sahar Kamran remarked documents relating to matters under discussion had only been provided the previous evening.

Kamran further remarked Parliament and its committees had effectively become inactive, pointing out that the gathering lacked the required quorum and no ruling coalition member was present.

While Sattar stated members were not even participating through Zoom and the committee could not proceed under those circumstances, natasha Daultana objected to holding the session informally. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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For now, nearly Half PIA Fleet Still Grounded remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.