Pakistan Aeronautical Authority negotiated 13 ASAs with various countries: NA told

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Defence Chudhary Ahmad Mukhtar on Thursday informed the National Assembly in writing that Pakistan Aeronautical Authority (PAA) had negotiated 13 Air Services Agreements (ASAs) with various countries during last five years.

"Out of these, four ASAs have been signed whereas nine have  been initiated, which will be finalized after completing the required  legal formalities and process," he said.

Commenting on a question, he clarified that Pakistan International Airlines had not sold any route to any airline.

Responding to another question raised by MNA of Muttahida Qaumi Movement Khush Bakht Shujaat, he said presently there is no temporary employee in the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). "Total 4232 labourers working on daily wages in CAA had already been regularized with effect from June 1, 2009 on the orders of the Supreme Court and with the approval of the cabinet," he said.

In reply to another question, Ahmad Mukhtar said PIA had currently a fleet of 40 aircraft in operational condition, which were insured by the National Insurance Company Limited.

He said, "All the 40 aircraft are in operational condition, however, aircraft are taken out of service for short durations for routine maintenance as per maintenance schedule."

The minister said medical facilities were being provided to passengers in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization Standards under which Each contracting state in cooperation with airport operators would ensure that international airports maintain facilities and services for first-aid attendance on site.