Airlines

Russian pilot sentenced to six years in prison over 2019 crash

The general prosecutor’s office announced on Tuesday that a Russian pilot was sentenced to six years in jail after the jet he was piloting crashed landed at a Moscow airport in 2019, killing 41 passengers.

Denis Evdokimov additionally had to pay 1.5 million rubles (about $17,700) to two victims and was prohibited from flying for three years after his release from prison.

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Evdokimov was the pilot of a Sukhoi Superjet 100-95 made in Russia when it was struck by lightning not long after takeoff from Sheremetyevo Airport. The pilots were forced to return home immediately as a result of the lightning strike, which also may have caused electrical issues and a loss of radio communication.

According to a report, the judge in the case stated, “The court decided to find Evdokimov guilty under Part 3 of Art. 263 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (violation of traffic safety rules) and sentence him to six years with serving in a colony-settlement.”

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The prosecution successfully contended that the Captain’s inability to follow the proper procedures when landing the aircraft—rather than the lightning strike—was what actually caused the disaster. The landing gear failed and the aircraft crashed as a result of the plane bouncing along the runway, the court said, which was due to the Commander’s actions.

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Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.