Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has successfully regained authorization to operate commercial flights within the European Union, marking a significant milestone in the carrier’s efforts to rebuild international credibility according to Reuters reporting.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) officially lifted its four-year suspension on November 29th, citing “significant efforts” by Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) to address previous regulatory concerns.
The ban, initially imposed in June 2020 following a devastating Airbus A320 crash that killed 97 people, had cost PIA an estimated 40 billion rupees ($144 million) annually based on government records.
The suspension followed a probe launched by Pakistan into the validity of pilot licenses after the fatal PIA crash. Pakistan subsequently grounded 262 of the country’s 860 pilots, including 141 of PIA’s 434, due to “dubious” licenses. Although the investigation did not ultimately reveal major concerns, the ban remained in effect.
PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan, meanwhile, revealed ambitious plans for European expansion: “We anticipate resuming flights to Paris within three to four weeks and are exploring routes to London, Manchester, and Birmingham”.
The rehabilitation comes at a critical juncture for the national carrier, which is currently under government privatization efforts. Defence Minister Khwaja Asif described the EASA decision as potentially “revitalising” for the debt-ridden airline according to Geo News.
Despite holding landing rights in 87 countries, PIA currently commands only 23% of Pakistan’s domestic aviation market. The European route reopening represents a strategic opportunity to enhance its competitive positioning against dominant Middle Eastern carriers.
Based on data from Planespotters.net, PIA operates a fleet of three ATR 42-500s, 17 Airbus A320ceos, eight Boeing 777-200ER, and four Boeing 777-300ER.
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