PAKISTAN . Aviation & Airports

[ghazi52]

PM Imran inaugurates Air Sial during day-long visit to Sialkot


APP | Dawn.com
09 Dec 2020

Prime Minister Imran Khan at the inauguration ceremony of AirSial in Sialkot on Wednesday. — APP



Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday inaugurated Air Sial, the third private airline of Pakistan, which was introduced and will be operated by Sialkot’s business community.

Accompanied by federal ministers Hammad Azhar, Ghulam Sarwar, Adviser Razzak Dawood, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Usman Dar, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar and Special Assistant to Punjab CM Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, the prime minister cut the ribbon to launch the airline which will initially operate domestically.

Speaking to the business community after the inauguration ceremony, the prime minister said that the airline was an "excellent initiative" which will create much-needed competition for the Pakistan International Airlines. Furthermore, it will benefit the business community in Sialkot, which the premier believed was on its way to becoming "Pakistan's centre of exports".

"When you told me of this [project], I had no doubt that it would benefit Pakistan in every way," PM Imran said.

Prime Minister Imran Khan speaks to Sialkot's business community. — DawnNewsTV

He congratulated the Sialkot community for building an airport with funds collected from the city alone and expressed hope that the businessmen will run the airline efficiently.

He noted that Pakistan's economy, like the rest of the world, had suffered due to the coronavirus pandemic and said that even though there was pressure to impose a blanket lockdown, the government managed to protect people's livelihoods and lives.

"This was a very difficult task as there was constant criticism directed at me for not imposing a blanket lockdown. It is sad that the same opposition that criticised me for not imposing a blanket lockdown [...] is now holding public meetings and gatherings even though corona cases are rising," the prime minister said.
He said that if the country gets through the second wave safely, it would be able to protect its people and businesses. The premier commended Minister for Industries Azhar and special adviser Dawood for keeping in touch with the business community and keeping the government informed of the challenges being faced by businessmen.
With its current fleet of three Airbus A320-200s, Air Sial will operate flights to and from Sialkot, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar.
Air Sial, a licensed airline, is the brainchild of members of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry who launched the project after the success of their earlier initiative, the Sialkot International Airport Ltd.
Air Sial’s vice chairman Fazal Jilani had earlier told Dawn by telephone that soon after its inauguration by the prime minister, the airline would start selling its tickets.
The privately owned airline was granted permission to run its operations by the Aviation Division in 2017. It also plans to launch flights to foreign destinations.
'Govt focused on increasing exports'
Addressing a cheque distribution ceremony under the Kamyab Jawan programme, the premier said that a comprehensive development plan will be introduced for Sialkot.
Currently, Sialkot is spreading like an unplanned city which puts stress on amenities, he said. "We want there to be a master plan for all cities," he said. Referring to the Rs17 billion development package, he said that the people of Sialkot will soon see a difference.

Prime Minister Imran Khan addresses a cheque distribution ceremony. — DawnNewsTV

He said that the people of Sialkot always had a "vibrancy" despite being extended very little help from former governments. "Despite this, Sialkot's industrialists had so much passion that they made it an export hub."
He said that the current government's focus was on increasing exports, adding that it would work on providing a 1,000 acre special industrial zone for industrialists.
The premier also said that the government will fully support the youth when it comes to establishing small and medium-sized enterprises. "This will create job opportunities," he said.

 

[ghazi52]

‘EgyptAir flights between Cairo, Karachi being planned’

The Frontier Post
December 9, 2020



ISLAMABAD: Egyptian Ambassador to Pakistan Tarek Dahrough Wednesday said his country had a plan to launch the EgyptAir flight between Karachi and Cairo to boost people-to-people contacts between two countries.

The envoy told this to Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz during a meeting here, which focused on enhancing cooperation in the fields of media, culture and tourism, said a news release.

 

[ghazi52]

The inaugural flight from Manchester Airport to Islamabad took off today with services from Heathrow Airport to Islamabad and Lahore also commencing this month. Virgin Atlantic

Dec 10, 2020·

 

[razgriz19]

787 is a sweet aircraft.
PIA has no chance of survival when competing against aircraft like this one on these routes

The inaugural flight from Manchester Airport to Islamabad took off today with services from Heathrow Airport to Islamabad and Lahore also commencing this month. Virgin Atlantic

Dec 10, 2020·



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[ghazi52]

Touch-down of the first Virgin Atlantic flight.

 

[ghazi52]

PIA cancels four ATR-72 aircraft leasing deal


December 13, 2020

KARACHI: Cash-strapped Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Saturday said it removed four French-built ATR-72 aircraft from its fleet due to an expensive lease arrangement, high operational cost and low profitability.

The first ATR-72 – registration number APBKY – has departed from Karachi for Johannesburg, South Africa, while the other three would also be returned, PIA spokesman said.

“PIA ATR-72 aircraft were high on operational cost and expected market value, resultantly making the flight operations non profitable,” he added.

These aircraft were acquired on a dry lease back in 2015. ATR-72 aircrafts, each with a capacity of 66 seats, were more expensive compared to the present market price, but the carrier was unable to return them earlier due to the enforced long-term agreement.

Along with the lease, PIA was incurring huge amounts on the planes whilst on ground. Therefore, on the instructions of PIA CEO Air Marshal Arshad Malik, PIA officials negotiated a deal with the leasing company to return the aircraft without any cash penalties. “It is beyond the norms of leasing business,” the spokesman claimed. With Covid-19 impacting air travel across the globe, the already struggling national flag carrier had no option, but to return the said planes.

The spokesman said that this deal was only made possible because of the PIA CEO’s personal efforts and the board’s support, which saw the extreme pressure that the pandemic had put on the aviation sector.

“It will save the national carrier, millions of dollars in rent”, which the airlines would have had to pay because of the planes getting grounded on account of the current pandemic situation.


PIA CEO Air Marshal Arshad Malik, while congratulating the PIA team on successful negotiations, said that it was not only a difficult decision at this crucial time, but an unavoidable one as well.

“The airline will keep operating other ATR aircraft, which make the operations viable on short routes. Meanwhile, under the supervision of the government of Pakistan, PIA will soon acquire new aircraft in its fleet, which will improve the airline’s product and service considerably.”

New aircraft and improved services have long been expected of the national carrier, and these expectations would soon be fulfilled, the CEO said. Officials saw the termination of this deal as “course correction”; a step taken in the right direction under the leadership of PIA CEO, the statement added.


For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020, Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited posted a loss of Rs44.509 billion in its consolidated condensed interim statement.

 

[Ahmet Pasha]

Pakistan’s third private airline set to launch operations


PM Imran Khan expected to formally launch new private airline AirSial this week.

Pakistan’s third private airline, AirSial, launched by Sialkot’s business community, is all set to start operations.

Pakistan’s industrial city of Sialkot, famous for producing the world’s finest quality football and sports goods, will soon have a new reputation – AirSial, its own private airline.

Pakistan’s third private airline, AirSial, launched by Sialkot’s business community, is all set to launch operations this month. Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to formally launch the new airline on December 9 in Sialkot.




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View attachment 694215

Ya Allah in me aik mujhe bhi ata karde. Ameen.
Sathiyo bolo ameen.

 

[Ahmet Pasha]

1. 
   

2. PIA cancels four ATR-72 aircraft leasing deal
   
   
   December 13, 2020
   
   
   
   

   

   
   
   
   
   KARACHI: Cash-strapped Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Saturday said it removed four French-built ATR-72 aircraft from its fleet due to an expensive lease arrangement, high operational cost and low profitability.
   
   The first ATR-72 – registration number APBKY – has departed from Karachi for Johannesburg, South Africa, while the other three would also be returned, PIA spokesman said.
   
   “PIA ATR-72 aircraft were high on operational cost and expected market value, resultantly making the flight operations non profitable,” he added.
   
   These aircraft were acquired on a dry lease back in 2015. ATR-72 aircrafts, each with a capacity of 66 seats, were more expensive compared to the present market price, but the carrier was unable to return them earlier due to the enforced long-term agreement.
   
   Along with the lease, PIA was incurring huge amounts on the planes whilst on ground. Therefore, on the instructions of PIA CEO Air Marshal Arshad Malik, PIA officials negotiated a deal with the leasing company to return the aircraft without any cash penalties. “It is beyond the norms of leasing business,” the spokesman claimed. With Covid-19 impacting air travel across the globe, the already struggling national flag carrier had no option, but to return the said planes.
   
   The spokesman said that this deal was only made possible because of the PIA CEO’s personal efforts and the board’s support, which saw the extreme pressure that the pandemic had put on the aviation sector.
   
   “It will save the national carrier, millions of dollars in rent”, which the airlines would have had to pay because of the planes getting grounded on account of the current pandemic situation.
   
   
   PIA CEO Air Marshal Arshad Malik, while congratulating the PIA team on successful negotiations, said that it was not only a difficult decision at this crucial time, but an unavoidable one as well.
   
   “The airline will keep operating other ATR aircraft, which make the operations viable on short routes. Meanwhile, under the supervision of the government of Pakistan, PIA will soon acquire new aircraft in its fleet, which will improve the airline’s product and service considerably.”
   
   New aircraft and improved services have long been expected of the national carrier, and these expectations would soon be fulfilled, the CEO said. Officials saw the termination of this deal as “course correction”; a step taken in the right direction under the leadership of PIA CEO, the statement added.
   
   
   For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020, Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited posted a loss of Rs44.509 billion in its consolidated condensed interim statement.

   In their stead we should get A220 family.

@ghazi52

On a lighter note

 

[ghazi52]

Serene Air granted permission for int’l operations

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has granted private airline, Serene Air, permission to operating international flights to and from UAE and Saudi Arabia.

In this regard, CAA director air transport on Thursday issued a notification permitting Serene Air to launch international flight operations besides ordering the private airline to submit a flight schedule.

The airline will begin flights to the two foreign countries from January 2021 and will use Airbus 330 and Boeing 737 aircraft for this purpose.

Furthermore, the notification adds that the designation of Serene Air to China and UK is also under process.

It is pertinent to mention here that private airlines are being facilitated for international flight operation under the new aviation policy

 

[ghazi52]

Karachi Airport

 

[ghazi52]

PIA Angry Over CAA’s Decision Allowing Virgin Atlantic to Operate in Pakistan

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has opposed the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) decision to allow Virgin Atlantic to operate flights from Pakistan, terming the CAA’s decision as a grave injustice to the PIA.
According to sources within PIA, the national flag carrier has been facing serious financial challenges due to the ban imposed by the European Air Safety Agency (EASA). PIA administration believes that CAA permitting the British airlines would only exacerbate the national carrier’s financial woes

 

[tman786]

PIA should be angry with the management who allowed fake pilots to fly in droves for many years. Risking many lives of Pakistanis lives.

Situation will return to normal once PIA fixes the nepotism and unprofessional management.

 

[ghazi52]

PIA moving head offices to Islamabad next month

Mohammad Asghar
21 Dec 2020

The head offices of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), including the flight services division, commercial department and human resource divisions, will be shifted from Karachi to Islamabad by the end of January. — AFP/File


RAWALPINDI: The head offices of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), including the flight services division, commercial department and human resource divisions, will be shifted from Karachi to Islamabad by the end of January as part of the restructuring plan of the national flag carrier.

The airline’s other operations, including flights scheduling and medical division, corporate development department, works division and supply chain management will be shifted to the federal capital by the end of February, internal audit, corporate secretariat and finance departments by the end of March and engineering department by the end of June 2021.

The human resource cost of the airline is Rs24.8 billion a year which will be reduced under the restructuring plan.

The PIA management is also considering introducing “Sehat Card” for the employees by discontinuing the present model of medical facility which, it believes, is a huge financial burden on the airline. It said that if the “Sehat Card” option could not be materialised, then either government hospitals would be taken on panels instead of expensive private hospitals or nominal medical encashment would be made part of salaries.
The air tickets scheme (passage facility) is being rationalised to extend the same facility to all cadres of employees. The number of tickets authorised to the employees is being reduced as these contribute to indirect expenses in terms of fuel cost.
PIA had on Dec 7 launched a Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) to get rid of 3,500 employees and achieve the 1:250 (250 per aircraft employees) ratio and set a deadline of Dec 22 for the scheme. The deadline for the Mandatory Separation Scheme (MSS), which is based on performance and discipline, is January 2021.

The deadline for separating non-core functions and fast track across-the-board accountability has been set for March 2021. The fast track accountability includes initial/completion of departmental investigations and inquiries, aggressive perusal of legal cases in court and speeding up investigations at the National Accountability Bureau and Federal Investigation Agency.

Efforts are being made to let the employees get separated in a dignified way with a good financial package.
According to the restructuring plan, if the separation of the required number of 3,500 employees was not met through the VSS, then the MSS will be launched soon after the former. All departments/categories of PIA employees will be rationalised to achieve the required number of 3,500 employees.

According to plan, the excess employees will be mandatorily retired based on performance, discipline and value addition. The mandatorily retired employees will not be offered VSS financial packages as well as medical/passage facilities post retirement.

PIA Officers Association general secretary Safdar Anjum alleged that the airline management had leaked the restructuring plan with an intention to create panic and fear among the employees so that they avail the VSS. “Since the VSS scheme had been introduced, only 650 employees have applied so far,” he tweeted.


Mr Anjum said all the employees who had been transferred from Karachi to Islamabad were facing difficulties in getting accommodations and other facilities.


Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2020

 

[ghazi52]

PIA to completely shift to Islamabad by June


3,500 employees will be laid off under voluntary separation scheme this month


Waqas Ahmed
December 21, 2020

he PTI government has approved a plan that seeks to lay off over 3,800 regular and contractual employees of the PIA. PHOTO: FILE



ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has unveiled its detailed restructuring plan under which the national flag carrier will complete the process of shifting its headquarters to Islamabad by June 2021 while reducing the number of its employees by almost half.

According to the plan, 7,500 of the 14,500 PIA employees will be laid off as per the voluntary separation scheme (VSS). Three thousand and five-hundred employees will be laid off under the VSS in the ongoing month. This will help the company save Rs10.5 billion annually.

The number of employees for each aircraft will be reduced from 500 to 250.Currently, the human resources cost the PIA Rs2.6 billion monthly and Rs24.8 billion annually.

According to the plan, the dismissal of employees facing departmental inquiry for rule violations or poor performance will be completed in January 2021.

Under the VSS, employees will get hefty financial benefits. The employees facing forced retirements, however, will not be able to avail the VSS and will get a different package.

The non-core departments will be separated from the core departments by March 2021.

After forced retirements, the flight kitchen, technical ground services (TGS) and engineering base maintenance will operate under a mutual agreement signed with private companies.

The precision engineering department will be handed over to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and its employees will no longer remain a part of the PIA.

The PIA’s courier service SpeedEx has already been closed and its 40,000 employees will be laid off.

As per the corporate restructuring plan, the commercial, human resource, legal and flight service departments will be shifted to Islamabad till January 2021.

The flight operation scheduling, medical, corporate development, works, and supply chain management will also be shifted by the end of February 2021 while the internal audit, corporate secretariat, and finance department will be shifted to Islamabad in March.

The engineering department will be completely shifted to Islamabad in June 2021 in the last phase.

According to the document, the mode of payment for OCS and TADA will also be changed under the cost-saving plan. The PIA employees will be linked to the government-issued health cards.

The employees will be able to get treatment at government hospitals as well as panel hospitals according to their salaries. The air tickets issued to the PIA employees will be reduced in number while their charges will also be adjusted as per the fuel prices.

 

[ghazi52]

Chaklala, Rawalpindi Airport c.1963.