[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]Pakistan International Airlines successfully repatriated another plane from Indonesia, which officially rejoined the fleet on Saturday. The national carrier faced challenges when two of its aircraft were stranded in Indonesia due to a leasing dispute. A high-level delegation from PIA went to Indonesia to resolve the matter, leading to the retrieval of the first aircraft after a payment of $13 million.
The controversy surrounding the aircraft began in September 2021 when two Airbus A-320 planes were parked in Jakarta. Initially, PIA had returned the aircraft to the leasing company, but the company refused to accept them, claiming that they did not meet the specified criteria outlined in the contract. Subsequently, PIA management worked towards settling the dispute.
Read more: Another PIA Flight Attendant Absconds In Canada
Calls for privatizing the national carrier have emerged due to its economic challenges, with former Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique emphasizing the need for privatization to ensure sustainability. In the final days of the PDM regime, a decision was made to privatize the loss-making Pakistan International Airlines, and a consultant has been hired for this purpose.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar has also directed the acceleration of the privatization process for the national carrier. The resolution of the leasing dispute and the successful repatriation of the aircraft from Indonesia mark positive developments for PIA as it navigates challenges in the aviation industry.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
