ISLAMABAD – Pakistan International Airline has made a scandalous deal inwhich the company had awarded Rs. 700 million worth contract for theup-gradation of the In-Flight Entertainment system to a ghost IT company.The company that won the tender had been registered only two months ago.The IFE system is needed for 8 Boeing 777 aircraft.
The IT Company is owned by Khawaja Moizuddin a retired Air Force officer.The company had been designated as Avionic Solutions Private limited.According to various reports, the owner of the corporation is said to be ingreat acquaintance with the current CEO of PIA Air Marshal Arshad Malik.
A spokesperson of PIA condemned allegation stating that it is *“highlyabsurd and unfair.”* Arshad Malik the CEO is under the suspension as perthe Sindh High Court order.
According to the PIA representative, Avionic Solutions has extensivemilitary and commercial avionics expertise along with experience in thetechnical support area. According to him, the company has been incollaboration with many local and international aviation organizations.
Avionics Solutions is directed by Khwaja Moizuddin, his daughter, and hiswife. At the time of participation, Avionics did not even file for a singletax return, had no auditor for its accounts, and also did not publish anannual report.
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The spokesperson of PIA initially quoted that the tender winning IT Companyhas a great experience in the field and later changed the statement sayingTerms of Reference did not specify how much experience an applying companyshould have. According to the representative, the amount will only be paidafter the product is certified to be fit for the purpose
The three out of eight selected aircraft for up-gradation are 16-years old,two are 14-years old and the rest of the two are 11 and 12 years oldlink. According tothe rules submitted by the Aviation Authority, no aircraft can be usedafter crossing 20-years of life. For example, Emirates had phased out onBoeing 777 a long time ago as the company had a policy of not using theaircraft when it reaches 12 years mark.
IFE is a digital entertainment system that is designed to entertain thepassengers during flights. The system contains visual gaming and audioclips along with other features. Up-gradation and Installation of the IFEsystem is very technical and can only be done under the certification ofEuropean Union Aviation Safety Agency and Federal Aviation Authority of theUS.
