ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is grappling with significant operational setbacks as a shortage of critical spare parts continues to affect its fleet. Currently, 17 of its 34 aircraft are grounded, disrupting the airline’s operations and leading to mounting financial losses.
The Boeing 777 fleet has been hit particularly hard, with 7 out of 12 aircraft unable to fly. Additionally, 7 of the 17 Airbus A320 planes are also non-operational. The smaller ATR aircraft are not immune either, with only 2 of the 5 planes in service.
The grounding is largely due to a lack of vital components such as engines, landing gear, Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), and other essential parts. Over time, components from these grounded planes have been repurposed for use in other aircraft, further deepening the shortage.
This operational disruption has resulted in millions of dollars in losses for PIA, and the airline is now facing delays in its flight schedule. A particularly concerning delay involves the planned resumption of its European flights, including a service to Paris, initially scheduled for January 10.
Earlier, PIA had announced its intention to resume flights to Europe following the European Union’s decision to lift a four-year ban. The first flight from Islamabad to Paris is expected to depart on January 10, with two weekly flights initially scheduled for Fridays and Sundays. The airline hopes to gradually increase the frequency of these services.
Clowns will remain clowns.