The government is all set to extend Regular Public Transport (RPT) licence of M/s Airblue of former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi for one year, starting from November 20, 2018, well-informed sources told Business Recorder. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has forwarded and recommended that request of M/s Airbus Limited for renewal of its Regular Public Transport (RPT) licence for a further period of one year with effect from November 20, 2018.
The CAA has also stated that flight standard, airworthiness and finance directorates have no objection to the renewal of RPT licence. Air operator certificate is valid and there are no outstanding against M/s Airblue Limited. Moreover, Prime Minister's Office has desired clarification regarding completion of codal formalities by M/s Airblue Ltd, on the summary submitted in November 2018. The CAA has submitted clarification regarding the observations raised by the Prime Minister's office.
Under the rule 177(1) of the Civil Aviation Rules 1994, the federal government is empowered to approve grant of various types of licences to airlines to carry out flight operations. As the previous practice, approvals for issuance / renewal of the licences to airlines to carryout operations were granted with the approval of the secretary Aviation Division.
The Supreme Court in its judgement reported as PLD 2016 SC 808 ordered where the word "federal government" has appeared in the Constitution/ legislation/ Acts, the approval of the federal cabinet is mandatory. The amendments to replace the word "federal government" with the appropriate authority in the Civil Aviation Ordinance, 1960, Pakistan Civil Aviation Ordinance 1982 and in the Civil Aviation Rules, 1994 are under process.
The CAA has sought that formal approval for renewal of the RPTR licence of M/s Airblue Limited for a period of one year may be granted with effect from November 20, 2018 to November 19, 2019.