PIA board approves special allowance for engineering staff ahead of privatisation push

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Board of Directors has given in-principle approval to grant a special allowance to the Engineering Department, in light of its performance and the national carrier’s potential privatisation, a PIA spokesperson said, adding that this decision had been under consideration for some time.

The spokesperson said this in a statement related to the PIA Board of Directors meeting held to review the Engineering Department’s performance.

The briefing given to the forum on this occasion reviewed the department’s performance over the past two years, with a focus on adherence to modern safety standards.

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The board also reviewed the steps taken to regain permission for European and UK flight operations after a gap of five years.

A comparative analysis was conducted of the Engineering Department’s performance and practices with those of the domestic and international aviation industry.

The board appreciated the comprehensive maintenance of aircraft and the efforts to bring them back into flight operations.

It also directed that all necessary approvals required before the privatisation of the PIA be completed as soon as possible.

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Additionally, the proposal to transfer more of PIA’s assets to a government-owned holding company was reviewed.

Approval was also granted for the repair of essential aircraft engines and spare parts to support next year’s operational plan.