SAEP rejects rumours, reaffirms commitment to aviation safety

KARACHI: The Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP) has issued a strong statement rejecting rumours and reaffirming its commitment to aviation safety, as tensions with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) management continue to escalate.

In a statement released Monday, SAEP clarified that despite ongoing speculation following a recent PIA Board of Directors meeting, no official decision or administrative order has been issued regarding the engineers’ concerns. The organization emphasized it will only respond to formal written notifications, not verbal claims or speculative statements.

SAEP members continue to wear black straps as a symbol of unity, dignity, and their unwavering commitment to aviation safety, the statement said.

The engineers’ body laid out its core principles in no uncertain terms: “Safety and airworthiness can never be compromised.” The statement stressed that no engineer is permitted to bypass procedures, regulations, or laws governing airworthiness, and that SAEP will not support anyone who violates safety standards, even under pressure or promises.

However, SAEP accused PIA management of demanding increased performance while providing inadequate support. The organization cited a lack of clarity on spare parts availability, unresolved manpower shortages, and insufficient essential resources as critical obstacles.

SAEP also strongly condemned what it described as “irresponsible and defamatory narrative” recently issued by a PIA spokesperson regarding engineers’ degrees and professional competence. The organization characterized these statements as not only false but harmful to Pakistan’s aviation reputation internationally.

SAEP warned that repeating similar claims represents a deliberate attempt to endanger Pakistan’s international aviation standing.

The organization announced it will challenge the allegations in court, stating the claims insult licensed engineers, harm PIA’s credibility, and threaten national aviation operations.

“No promise — including discussions about parity — can ever justify compromising safety,” SAEP declared, adding that their safety standards define them.

The statement concluded with a defiant message: “Our licence is our honour. Our unity is our strength.”

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025