Airlines

Aviation minister says Pakistan International Airlines could suffer $1 Billion losses by 2030

PIA's Pre-Privatization Plan: Selling Aircraft Spare Parts

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) may suffer significant losses of Rs 259 billion by the year 2030 if immediate remedial steps, including the transfer of its administrative management to the private sector, are not undertaken, the aviation ministry’s Khawaja Saad Rafique warned on Friday.

He emphasized the importance of moving through with critical reforms as soon as possible, such as giving the private sector administrative responsibility.

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His concerns were expressed during his statement on the Senate floor, when he also introduced “The Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (Conversion) (Amendment) Bill, 2023.” Given PIA’s substantial debt of Rs. 742 billion, the minister stressed the urgent need for foreign direct investment (FDI) and the transfer of administrative authority to private organizations to ensure the airline’s sustainability.

However, during the proceedings, many senators strongly opposed the proposal. In order to make PIA a viable organization, the Senate chairman recognized the importance of FDI and private sector involvement. They referred the matter to the relevant standing committee for more research.

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A bell rang for fifteen minutes to make sure that everyone was present after PTI MPs raised concerns about the quorum during the discussion. The quorum was restored and the House began to discuss the future of PIA. In its main body, the bill suggests amending Section 3, which specifies that the corporation’s shareholders will continue to hold the same number of fully paid shares while retaining their present rights and advantages.

Additionally, the federal government may issue new shares or revoke existing ones by an official gazette notification as needed during the validity term. The standing committee, which will carefully examine the measure and its suggested revisions, will now decide the future of PIA.

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Airlines

A Costly Mistake: Passenger Pays for Fuel After Disruptive Flight

A Western Australian man has learned a costly lesson after his unruly behavior on a flight resulted in the aircraft having to turn back. The passenger was ordered to pay over $5,000 in fuel costs, along with a significant fine, for causing the plane to divert.

The incident occurred in September 2023 when the man, who was not publicly named, became disruptive on a flight from Perth to Sydney. Due to his behavior, the pilot was forced to turn the plane around and return to Perth, which required dumping fuel to land safely.

The passenger pleaded guilty to charges of disorderly behavior and non-compliance with safety instructions. As a result, he was ordered to pay $8,630 to the airline to cover the cost of the wasted fuel and was also fined $6,055. This combined penalty of over $11,000 is a stark reminder of the severe consequences of disruptive behavior on flights.

While this is not a typical punishment, other cases of in-flight misconduct have resulted in hefty fines. One passenger in the United States was fined over $40,000 for a series of offenses, including bringing their own alcohol on board, being intoxicated, attempting to smoke marijuana, and sexually assaulting a flight attendant.

The Australian Federal Police emphasized that disruptive behavior on flights will not be tolerated. They warned that individuals who cause disturbances can face significant financial penalties and legal consequences. The case of the Western Australian passenger serves as a clear message that obeying airline staff and adhering to safety regulations is essential for a smooth and safe flight.