Recently, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has embarked on a journey towards privatization, a move aimed at revitalizing its operations amidst various challenges in the aviation sector. PIA currently operates with an average of 304 employees per aircraft across its fleet of 34 planes, 13 of which are under dry lease arrangements. The airline employs a total of 10,323 individuals, comprising 7,399 regular staff members and 2,924 outsourced workers.
During a recent briefing to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Aviation, significant concerns were raised regarding budget constraints faced by key regulatory bodies. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has been unable to upgrade outdated equipment at 22 airports nationwide due to financial limitations. Similarly, the Airport Security Force (ASF) highlighted funding challenges despite efforts to acquire new security devices.
The committee also noted infrastructure issues such as cracks in the parking area at Allama Iqbal International Airport and raised queries regarding pilot and aero-medical staff licensing. Flight delays by PIA, Air Blue, and Air Sial were flagged as recurring problems requiring attention.
In response to these challenges, the PCAA is developing new policies to regulate drone usage and is set to implement upgrades under a World Bank initiative, including new weather radars and automatic weather stations. These enhancements aim to bolster weather forecasting capabilities, benefiting agricultural sectors and government agencies by providing more precise and timely weather information.
Overall, the committee emphasized the urgent need for enhanced infrastructure and streamlined operations within Pakistan’s aviation industry. The ongoing privatization of PIA, coupled with proposed upgrades and regulatory reforms, is anticipated to tackle these issues head-on, promising improvements in the sector’s efficiency and performance.