Pakistan International Airlines Nears Privatisation Amid Aviation Upgrades

Amid ongoing talks about the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the National Assembly’s standing committee on aviation was informed that the process is almost complete. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) currently operates 22 out of 43 airports, including 13 international ones, but has been facing budget constraints for several years. As a result, the CAA is using second-generation equipment, while developed countries use the latest third-generation equipment.

The National Assembly’s aviation committee has called for improvements in the country’s aviation sector, stressing the need for better food services and more courteous staff behavior towards passengers.

In a related development, the Pakistan Meteorological Department plans to enhance its weather monitoring capabilities with the installation of new radars and weather stations. The upgrades include five new radars in Quetta, Dera Ismail Khan, Cherat, Gwadar, and Lahore, as well as three mobile radars and 300 automatic weather stations, funded by the World Bank. These developments aim to enhance the overall travel experience and improve aviation safety in Pakistan.

The committee also expressed concerns about cracks in the aircraft parking area at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore. The CAA confirmed that necessary upgrades are in progress. Additionally, concerns about the appointment of aero-medical staff and the licensing of pilots were discussed, with a comprehensive report requested from the relevant authorities.

Earlier, sources indicated that the privatisation of PIA is expected to take place in early August 2024. Six companies have been shortlisted for the process and have requested detailed information about PIA, asking for time until July to review the financial issues of the national airline.