European Union Air Safety Agency has temporarily suspended PIA’s authorization to operate to the EU member states for a period of 6 months effective July 1, 2020: with the right to appeal against this decision.
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Subsequently, PIA is discontinuing its flights to Europe temporarily, all passengers booked on PIA flights to European sectors will have the option to either extend their bookings for a later date or get full refunds.
EASA said in its statement that “the operator could not demonstrate having effectively implemented all elements of a Safety Management Systems as required by Annex 6 Part 1 and Annex 19 to the Chicago Convention (ref. PAK-OO01/ TR-2017-03/ 04)”
It further mentions the fact that “Furthermore, EASA has received information according to which on Wednesday 24 June 2020, the Aviation Minister, Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan, informed the Pakistani Parliament of the results of an investigations which revealed that more than 260 out of 860 pilot licenses issued by the Pakistani authorities and used by pilots operating for air operators certified in Pakistan are fraudulent. Based on this information, EASA is concerned about the validity of the Pakistani pilot licenses and that Pakistan, as the State of operator, is currently not capable to certify and oversee its operators and aircraft in accordance with applicable international standards. Pursuant to ART.235(a)(2) of Part-ART, EASA is required to take adequate enforcement measures in this situation.”
PIA is in contact with EASA to allay their concerns and to take necessary corrective measures along with filing the appeal against the decision.
PIA sincerely hopes that with reparative and swift actions taken by the Government of Pakistan and PIA Management, the earliest possible lifting of this suspension can be expected.