Senate panel directs authorities to facilitate private airline operations on 11 routes

The Senate Standing Committee on Defence directed relevant authorities to facilitate regulatory approval for a private airline’s operations on 11 destinations while requiring route-specific pilot training from Pakistan International Airlines for flights to Chitral, Skardu and Gilgit.

The direction came after the committee reviewed the airline’s proposed wet lease operations, aviation safety, operational preparedness and regulatory oversight, particularly for northern routes.

Secretary Defence told the committee that the proposed service would use foreign aircraft and pilots, with aircraft linked to Malta and Italy, creating concerns over maintenance monitoring, safety supervision and regulatory jurisdiction.

He said Gilgit and Chitral were among the world’s most challenging airstrips and required pilots with specialised flying experience.

Pakistan currently lacked direct oversight of maintenance systems for some foreign-operated aircraft, he said, adding that legal complications could create questions over accountability and jurisdiction.

The secretary said the airline would need to obtain a permit before starting operations. He maintained that investment should be facilitated without compromising safety or regulatory compliance.

He also sought sovereign-level guarantees from Malta or Italy covering operational accountability.

The airline’s adviser, a former Air Vice Marshal of Pakistan Air Force, told the committee that wet lease operations were not inherently unsafe, the aircraft were IASA-certified and the operator would remain answerable for compliance.

He said approximately $600 million had already been invested in the project.

The adviser informed the committee that the airline was seeking permission to operate on 11 of its 14 planned destinations.

A Joint Secretary of Ministry of Defence said the airline had obtained its licence last year and its first aircraft arrived around October-November before Eid.

The Additional Secretary of Aviation informed the committee that regulatory processing of the project had reached its final stage.

Senator Anwar-ul-Haq called for the protection of passengers and consumers, while Senator Afnan Ullah Khan supported greater investment and competition in the aviation sector.

Senator Musadik Malik said the same regulatory and compliance requirements should apply to all operators, noting that several aircraft were already operating in Pakistan under wet lease arrangements.

Following deliberations, committee chairman Senator Talha Mahmood directed authorities to facilitate approval for the airline’s proposed 11 destinations while ensuring PIA provided route-specific training for pilots assigned to Chitral, Skardu and Gilgit.

The committee also considered a Point of Public Importance raised by Senator Kamran Murtaza and Senator Danesh Kumar regarding higher airfares on flights to Quetta.