RAWALPINDI: 9 July 2024: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), currently up for sale, averages 304 employees per aircraft, according to the head of the aviation division who briefed a National Assembly committee on Monday.
Saif Anjum, Secretary of the aviation division, provided a comprehensive update to the Standing Committee on Aviation. He disclosed that PIA operates a fleet of 34 aircraft, with 13 under dry lease and the remainder owned by the airline.
Presently, PIA employs 10,323 individuals, comprising 7,399 regular and 2,924 outsourced staff members.
The committee was informed that the privatization process of PIA is nearing completion.
Regarding the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), the committee learned that the regulator oversees operations at 22 out of the country's 43 airports, including 13 international ones. However, due to budget constraints, the PCAA has been using outdated equipment for years.
The Airport Security Force (ASF) representative also highlighted financial challenges, which have hindered the adoption of modern security technologies. Despite this, progress has been made in acquiring new equipment, with some baggage scanning devices already in use.
The ASF, responsible for security at 22 of the 43 airports nationwide, employs 15,565 personnel, including 14,135 uniformed and 873 civilian staff.
During the session chaired by PPP MNA Nawabzada Iftikhar Ahmed Khan, concerns were raised about structural issues in the aircraft parking area at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport. PCAA officials acknowledged the problem and confirmed ongoing renovation efforts.
The committee also scrutinized the appointment procedures for aero-medical staff and pilots' licensing, requesting a detailed report on these matters.
Addressing complaints about flight delays by private airlines, Mr. Anjum stated that notices had been issued to Air Blue and Air Sial, with PIA to follow if necessary.
Responding to queries, it was explained that private airlines find the Islamabad-Lahore route economically unviable. The committee stressed the importance of improving in-flight catering services and the conduct of PCAA staff towards passengers.
Regarding security measures at airports, the ASF assured that except for VVIPs, everyone undergoes mandatory body searches.
The committee was also briefed on the 'Civil Unmanned Aircraft Rules, 2024', a new policy aimed at regulating drone usage, pending approval from the federal cabinet.
In addition, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) plans to install five new radars in Quetta, Dera Ismail Khan, Cherat, Gwadar, and Lahore, funded by the World Bank's Hydromet Project. Three mobile radars and 300 automatic weather stations are also part of this initiative, alongside a mobile application for early weather forecasts and flood warnings for farmers and government departments.
