By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) issued a statement dismissing the claims made by the Society of Aircraft Engineers (SAEP) regarding the sale of 10 aircraft engines at cheap prices.
PIA spokesperson dismissed the allegations made by the newly elected body of SAEP, describing it as ‘regrettable’.
The spokesperson clarified that there is no truth to the selling of ten aircraft engines at low prices. He added that the engines mentioned are totally “inefficient” and their sale is being conducted through a tender following all standard rules and regulations.
The spokesperson emphasised that the sale of unusable engines is a routine practice in the aviation industry, with full compliance with public procurement laws. The revenue from this sale will be used to purchase spare parts for aircraft.
The spokesperson added that PIA’s pension and provident funds have already been transferred to PIA Holding Company, and all dues and pensions are being paid promptly to both current and retired employees. A hiring freeze is in place at PIA following the Supreme Court’s orders since 2017, except for essential contract positions required to meet SCCP standards.
Earlier on October 31, the final bidding process for the privatisation of PIA attracted just one bid of 10 billion Pakistani rupees ($36 million) for a 60% stake in the national flag carrier.
