The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Board of Directors has granted in-principle approval for a special allowance to the Engineering Department, acknowledging its consistent performance and strategic role as the airline prepares for privatisation.
According to a PIA spokesperson, the decision had been under consideration for some time and was finalised during a board meeting that reviewed the department’s performance and future objectives.
The meeting included a comprehensive briefing on the Engineering Department’s performance over the past two years, focusing on adherence to modern safety and maintenance standards. The board also reviewed the progress on efforts to regain European and UK flight operation permissions, which have remained suspended for the past five years.
A comparative analysis of PIA’s engineering performance with both domestic and international aviation standards was presented, highlighting improvements in aircraft maintenance, operational efficiency, and safety protocols.
The board commended the department for successfully maintaining and restoring aircraft to operational condition, ensuring the continuity of flight operations despite limited resources.
Additionally, the meeting reviewed proposals related to PIA’s privatisation process, including the transfer of select assets to a government-owned holding company. The board instructed management to expedite all pending approvals necessary to complete the privatisation process.
In line with its upcoming operational plan for next year, the board also approved the repair and restoration of essential aircraft engines and spare parts to strengthen fleet readiness and ensure reliability during the transition phase.
The spokesperson reiterated that the special allowance aims to motivate the engineering staff, whose expertise remains crucial for ensuring aircraft safety and efficiency as PIA undergoes structural and ownership reforms.
The board reaffirmed its commitment to aligning the airline’s operations with international aviation standards while maintaining workforce morale during the ongoing transformation.
