Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) faces a turbulent journey as it grapples with profound operational challenges, encapsulated by its fleet operating at only half its capacity. Presently, out of 29 modern aircraft, a mere 15 are in service, reflecting the dire financial constraints that have ensnared the airline. The reduction in operational capacity, recently exacerbated by the grounding of 14 aircraft due to financial limitations hindering the procurement of essential spare parts, underscores the pressing need to address PIA’s fiscal woes.
The recent grounding of 14 aircraft, rendering them non-operational due to the unavailability of necessary spare parts, further compounds PIA’s existing challenges. This setback highlights a critical issue that has been plaguing the airline: the inability to maintain its fleet adequately. With a reduced operational fleet comprising six Boeing 777 wide-body aircraft, eight Airbus A320 narrow-body jets, and a lone ATR, PIA struggles to meet the demands of its routes, especially to remote destinations that heavily rely on the versatile ATR.
The prolonged dispute over two Airbus A320 planes stranded in Indonesia since September 2021 has compounded PIA’s predicament. While one aircraft was successfully reintegrated into the fleet following a high-level delegation’s intervention, the airline awaits the return of the second aircraft, expected after settling outstanding payments with the leasing company by the end of this month.
Addressing PIA’s financial constraints remains pivotal in steering the airline towards stability. Acute funding shortages have led to grounding multiple aircraft requiring maintenance and spare parts. The airline emphasises the urgency of securing crucial funding with government support to revive a significant portion of its fleet. This infusion of funds is crucial not only for immediate repairs and maintenance but also for future-proofing PIA’s operations against such setbacks.
As PIA navigates these challenges, adverse weather conditions, particularly low visibility and heavy fog, further disrupt its operations, particularly in key cities like Lahore, Multan, and Sialkot. In essence, the confluence of financial constraints, maintenance issues, and external disruptions underscores the imperative need for a multifaceted approach involving financial support, efficient management, and resolution of ongoing disputes to pave a smoother trajectory for PIA’s recovery and sustained operations.