KARACHI, Dec 14: A shortage of crucial components and spare parts has left 17 of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)’s 34 aircraft grounded, according to informed sources.
“Currently, 17 aircraft in PIA’s fleet are out of service,” a source within the airline confirmed.
Seven of the airline’s 12 Boeing 777 planes are currently non-operational, alongside seven out of 17 Airbus A320 aircraft that are also grounded.
Even the smaller ATR planes are affected, with only two of the five currently in operation.
The grounded aircraft are facing challenges due to a lack of essential components such as engines, landing gear, Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), and other critical parts.
Sources indicated that a lack of funding and the absence of necessary clearance from relevant ministries are the primary factors contributing to this shortage.
This situation has significantly impacted the operational capabilities of the national carrier, which is planning to resume flights to Europe on January 10 after a four-year hiatus.
While it is too early to determine the exact implications, sources warn that if the current circumstances persist, there could be delays in the anticipated restart of services to Europe, which is slated to begin with two weekly flights to Paris.
The shortage is also affecting the government’s privatization efforts, which aim to sell 60 percent of the airline’s shares to private investors.
Earlier this year, the government attempted to sell a 60 percent stake in the financially troubled airline but received only one bid of PKR 10 billion, well below the reserve price, leading the privatization commission to reject it and call for fresh bids.
Established in the 1960s, PIA was once a proud representative of Pakistan’s thriving industries and institutions. However, over the years, mismanagement, political interference, and excessive staffing have severely undermined its reputation, service quality, and productivity, resulting in significant debt accumulation.
Last year, the airline posted losses of USD 270 million and currently grapples with debts and liabilities approaching USD 3 billion.
In addition, the airline’s fleet is aging, and several flights were canceled or rescheduled this year due to unpaid debts to Pakistan State Oil, the fuel supplier. (PTI)
