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The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is reportedly considering the removal of restrictions on Pakistani aircraft, including those operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), on European routes.
According to sources cited by a private TV channel, a crucial meeting of EASA’s safety board is scheduled for May 2024, where the future of PIA will take center stage.
Insiders familiar with the matter disclosed that PIA has submitted relevant documents to EASA, and the final report is slated for presentation during the safety board meeting in May. The European Safety Agency will incorporate the audit report of PIA and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) into the meeting agenda.
While definitive statements are premature at this stage, a spokesperson from the Civil Aviation Authority expressed optimism, noting positive strides in the ongoing discussions. It’s worth mentioning that EASA suspended PIA flight operations for Europe in June 2020 due to safety concerns.
The suspension came after EASA conveyed a letter to the national flag carrier, citing the failure to comply with proposed corrective action plans (CAPs) as the reason for revoking the Third Country Operator (TCO) Authorization.
Six findings were raised during meetings in June and September 2019, with five action plans successfully implemented. However, one aspect related to a Safety Management System remained unimplemented, leading to the suspension of PIA’s European operations.