EU revokes operating curbs on PIA fleet
By Saad Saud

ISLAMABAD—Ban imposed by European Union on part of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) fleet to operate in Europe has now been completely removed,says a PIA press release. The decision to remove the ban was conveyed following a review of the comprehensive measures taken by the airline to overcome the EU concerns.The review took place in Brussels in September in a meeting of the Air Safety Council of European Union.
The EU decision has been notified on Wednesday.The EU had imposed the ban on March 4 this year which prevented the PIA from flying it fleet of Boeing 747s and Airbus 310s to Europe. To overcome the EU’s concerns,PIA had developed a comprehensive Recovery Plan to strengthen its systems and procedures relating to the upkeep and airworthiness of its fleet. Now EU has shown satisfaction over the progress PIA has shown.In a statement from Transport Commissioner of European Union, Jacques Barrot said: “When airlines take rapid and sound corrective action to comply with safety standards,they can be withdrawn from the list of restricted airlines quickly”.
The PIA management while expressing its satisfaction over the development,has renewed its commitment and resolve to continue pursuing and maintaining the highest international aviation safety standards in its entire global operation including both,European and non-European destinations.
Pakistan International Airlines for the convenience of its value passengers has introduced Flight Checker System Service. The service is accessible via PIA website: www.Piac.com.pk providing to passengers/ air travellers, their friend and family members to check the status of any flight including arrival and departure timings, says a press release issued here on Wednesday By a simple click on the flight Status section on the homepage, passenger can view the flight status information.
The European Commission on Wednesday lifted all restrictions on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flying in the 27-nation bloc while keeping Indonesian airlines on its list of banned carriers.
Updating its list of carriers banned throughout the European Union, the European Union’s executive arm also lifted its ban on Surinam’s Blue Wing Airlines. In March the Commission banned most of the Pakistan airline’s planes amid safety fears concerning the aging fleet.
PIA and Blue Wing “have successfully completed the implementation of a corrective action plan following their inclusion in the list,” the Commission said in a statement.
“Their oversight authorities have produced evidence that they verified the measures taken by the airlines and that these measures provide for long-lasting sustainable solutions to avoid the same problems recurring in the future,” it added.
EU Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot said the latest airline blacklist shows “that when airlines take rapid and sound corrective action to comply with safety standards, they can be withdrawn from the list quickly.”