Karachi, February 24, 2007: This concerns a news item appearing in a section of press quoting unknown EU sources from Brussels stating that they plan to disallow some of PIA flights to EU destinations in view of certain technical concerns. The remaining flights however shall continue to operate.

The factual position is detailed below for benefit of our valued readers:

1. The Air Safety Committee of European Union visited Pakistan during 12-16 February, 2006 and held professional – cum – technical consultations with PIA management. The consultation subject primarily concerned technical upkeep, airworthiness and well kept interior of Asian countries aircraft operating on European destinations. The committee expressed its satisfaction over PIA aircraft all operational and professional issues. It was followed by another meeting in Brussels during 21-23 February 2007.
2. Pakistan was represented by professional and technical experts from Public Sector Aviation Industry (PIA and CAA) wherein PIA put forth a range of operational data before Air Safety Committee of European Union to their satisfaction in terms of PIA aircraft technical fitness, airworthiness and other cabin specific up keep/maintenance issues. The committee appreciated PIA’s efforts towards maximization of its aircraft excellent maintenance standards and airworthiness. The committee however counseled PIA to modernize its fleet age according to latest technological advancement. Necessary refurbishment of PIA’s old aircraft is also in the pipeline as per EU standards.
3. PIA is unaware of any reported ban on its aircraft operations to EU destinations and is in constant touch with the concerned EU authorities besides seeking to fully protect PIA’s interest.
4. It may relevantly be mentioned that since 2004 PIA Engineering Department has been approved by European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) under their Part-145 regulations, which are considered the most modern aviation maintenance/safety standards. Currently PIA Engineering undergoes Quality Surveillance Audits by EASA Auditors twice every year. During past 50 years PIA Engineering has not only performed Heavy and Light Maintenance on foreign registered Aircraft under its international approval but also has supported many reputed Airlines in the establishment of their Engineering facilities.
5. PIA has been operating its aircraft with average age of 21 years which now reduced to 12 years by May 2007. PIA Engineering is concentrating more on Airworthiness and Safety issues of a segment of its fleet. PIA aircraft also operate on destinations in Europe where they undergo safety inspections by SAFA Inspectors (Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft Programmed). The principles of the program are simple and being implemented for all foreign (Non-European) Airlines landing at European airports.