The Punjab government has transferred operational control and maintenance of its Gulfstream G500 luxury jet to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). The decision follows concerns about the provincial VIP Flight Wing’s ability to manage the sophisticated aircraft independently.
The provincial cabinet has approved the arrangement, along with a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Punjab and the PAF. The agreement covers aircraft maintenance, technical responsibilities and financial arrangements.
The move places the responsibility for keeping the expensive aircraft operational with the country’s air force. However, questions remain about the cost of the arrangement and the provincial government’s long-term plans.
Why Is the Pakistan Air Force Taking Control?
The Punjab VIP Flight Wing reportedly lacks the specialised resources needed to operate and maintain the Gulfstream G500 independently. The aircraft requires experienced technical staff, trained engineers and advanced maintenance facilities.
Therefore, the provincial government has turned to the PAF, which already possesses the necessary technical expertise and infrastructure.
The arrangement aims to improve operational safety while ensuring the aircraft remains available whenever required. It also establishes a formal framework for managing the jet’s technical and maintenance needs.
What Does the New Agreement Include?
The proposed MoU outlines several important changes concerning the aircraft’s operation and management.
Under the approved arrangement:
- The jet has been deregistered from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and assigned a PAF tail number.
- Three serving PAF pilots have been deputed to the Punjab government to operate the aircraft alongside provincial pilots.
- The Additional Secretary (Welfare) of the Services and General Administration Department has received authorisation to sign the MoU on Punjab’s behalf.
Furthermore, the agreement establishes arrangements covering maintenance, technical support and related financial responsibilities.
The Punjab government expects the transfer to ensure safe operations, continuous readiness and round-the-clock aircraft availability.
Punjab’s Rs. 10 Billion Gulfstream G500 Under Scrutiny
The Gulfstream G500 has attracted public attention since reports revealed its purchase price of approximately Rs. 10 billion. The aircraft is around seven years old, adding to discussions surrounding the expensive provincial purchase.
It arrived in Lahore on December 28, 2025, before completing its first domestic flight on February 6, 2026. The inaugural journey connected Lahore with Multan.
More recently, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz used the luxury aircraft for a visit to London. Its use by the provincial leadership has continued to draw attention to the government’s aviation arrangements.
How Much Will Punjab Pay the PAF?
Despite approving the transfer, the Punjab government has not disclosed the financial details of its arrangement with the PAF.
In particular, the amount Punjab will pay for maintenance, technical support and operational services remains unknown.
The undisclosed costs leave an important question surrounding the aircraft’s future management. While the PAF will provide the specialised expertise required to maintain the jet, taxpayers are still waiting for clarity.
The arrangement could ensure smoother operations, but its financial implications remain uncertain until the government releases the payment details.
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