Archive for category: News

In an attempt to use aging aircraft for Hajj operations beginning August, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) management has sought a nod from the authorities to waive all safety regulations for its two-decades-old planes grounded over six months ago, compromising the safety of thousands of passengers.

A recent letter from the PIA chief executive officer has appeared in various newspapers and online news media outlets  to the federal secretary for aviation division admitted that its three aging Airbus A310 and 300 aircraft had already spent their lives and had been grounded in December 2016, but at the same time, ‘requested’ to use them for Hajj operations because replacements for these planes were not available with the national carrier.

To take this risky initiative, the PIA CEO has proposed exemptions from all safety checks for the aging aircraft and sought the federal government’s help to pursue and persuade Saudi authorities who don’t allow older fleet operations and have stringent aviation requirements.

“A fresh tender for up to two wide body aircraft has been issued but the replacement aircraft may not be available with PIA,” the letter argues as a reason to use the out-dated planes.

To deal with the problem, the PIA chief’s letter suggests “a one-time relaxation in Aviation Policy 2015 allowing operation of aircraft older than 20 years for maximum six months beyond threshold of March 2017.”

He also suggested that the aircraft be exempted from technical and safety checks and permission be obtained from Saudi Arabia aviation authorities.

 IAG is backing a new proposal for a cheaper third runway at Heathrow.

Surinder Arora claims his proposal is up to £6.7bn cheaper than that put forward by the airport, and accused Heathrow of using its monopoly to impose ‘unacceptable and untenable’ charges on airlines and their passengers.

IAG CEO Willie Walsh is quoted, saying the new plan is ‘a welcome alternative to the airport’s own costly scheme’. He added: “The Government should look closely at Arora’s proposals as it would significantly reduce costs.”

Virgin Atlantic boss Craig Kreeger also backs the plan, saying: “Nobody has the monopoly on good ideas.”

The article noted that Mr Arora promised to collaborate more closely with airlines than his competitor, saying: “We know they haven’t done that because every major carrier we have spoken to has said they have never had these consultations with Heathrow.” 

A report by the Civil Aviation Authority has warned that ‘much remains to be done’ by Heathrow in terms of engaging with airlines over the runway scheme and the paper highlights the fears of airlines that the airport will raise charges to pay for the new runway.

It notes that Mr Walsh is concerned that airport fees could rise from £20 to £40 per passenger, effectively making Heathrow a ‘white elephant’. 

A spokesperson for the airport is quoted saying: “We continue to develop our plans to improve passenger experience, reduce the negative impact on local communities, and lower the cost so that we can deliver expansion at close to current charges.” 

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “This will not be expansion at any cost, but the right scheme at the right price.” 

Heathrow announced last week that it had agreed a deal with the Government over Crossrail services to bolster the airport’s rail connectivity. 

The airport has agreed a plan with the department for transport (DfT) and Transport for London (TfL) for the Crossrail services to extend into Terminal 5, with the number of trains going into the airport increasing from 18 an hour to 22 an hour in 2019.

Of those, six will be on the Elizabeth Line. Heathrow, TfL and the DfT are also looking into whether more can be added in the future, with a joint feasibility study underway assessing whether another two Elizabeth Line trains could be added per hour. 

In his column in The Sunday Telegraph, Ben Marlow suggested that Qatar Airways may be attempting to buy stock in major carriers to bring together partners of the oneworld alliance ‘to create the world’s first super-airline’.

The journalist wrote that the diplomatic blockade in the Gulf had given Qatar an extra urgency to extend its overseas alliances.

The carrier holds around 20 per cent of IAG stock, and 10 per cent of LatAm.

Last month CEO Akbar Al Baker made an approach to American Airlines to buy a 10 per cent stake, and the article suggested he might also me considering involvement in Cathay Pacific.