PIA aircraft narrowly escapes fatal accident
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In Sialkot, a PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) plane narrowly escaped two consecutive incidents. According to media reports, due to adverse weather conditions in Lahore, a PIA flight coming from Abu Dhabi was diverted to Sialkot.
After the weather in Lahore improved, PIA flight PK 264 was taking off from Sialkot when it collided with a bird. However, the pilot skillfully managed to avert a major accident. Aviation sources reported that the plane was safely landed back on the ground, but during the second landing attempt, three tires burst.
According to media reports, passengers on the plane were transported to Lahore via bus. A PIA spokesperson mentioned that the flight was diverted to Sialkot from Lahore to refuel for further operations. Please note that PIA has been facing multiple challenges, including grounding several aircraft due to a severe financial crisis.
The Ministry of Aviation had warned the federal government about the airline's dire financial situation and its impact on various stakeholders, including lenders, lessors, fuel suppliers, insurers, international and domestic airport operators, and even AIOU (Airports International Operators).
As a result, PIA is now forced to ground 5 out of 13 leased aircraft, with the possibility of making a similar decision for 4 more aircraft. The Ministry of Aviation also disclosed that Boeing and Airbus could suspend spare parts supply until September, considering these challenges.
The Ministry requested an immediate cash injection of PKR 23 billion, requested duty, tax, and service charges waivers for national agencies, but this request surfaced without a concrete and actionable business plan.
The Ministry cautioned that PIA's restructuring is a complex process that could extend for about 8 months. It emphasized that to achieve a fair price for PIA's assets, the airline should remain operational throughout all phases of the restructuring process.
