This is with reference to the news item that appeared in your esteemed paper (25 Jan) that Saudi Arabian government has given certificate of appreciation to our national carrier during its Hajj operation 2011. This is a matter of pride for the nation. As we all know, the Saudi Arabian government is very strict in enforcing proper discipline during Hajj season and heavy fines are imposed on airlines for violating rules at the airport. In this backdrop, the appreciation by the Saudi government should be taken as a gift to the nation.
This single factor should help PIA management to tie its loose ends at home also. This certificate has nothing to do with delays and cancellation of flights during Hajj season as it is a regular feature with all the airlines due to poor handling by Hajj operators that ultimately cause delays etc. Under ICAO and CAA rules, no aircraft can take off unless it is 100 percent operational as airlines cannot compromise on safety of aircraft and security of passengers.
Let us congratulate the management of our national flag carrier being highly commended for its Hajj operations in 2011. It is hoped that PIA shall make all endeavours to come up to the expectations of the people who own this airline. Instead of being complacent, PIA should speed up the process of the induction of new aircrafts into its fleet.
Six million Pakistani’s living abroad still prefer their own airline and this is a point that the PIA should capitalise on and PIA should come up to their expectations. Irrespective of the recent criticism on our national airline, these remarks by the Saudi government (appreciating regularity, arrangements, flight information and passengers handling) may be taken as a sign that the state of affairs in the airline is improving.
LT COL (Retd) MUKHTAR AHMED BUTT
Karachi
