‘These actions constitute a direct attack on aviation safety and professional ethics,’ says SEAP
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) engineering department has reportedly initiated criminal proceedings against flight engineers who refuse to compromise on passenger and flight safety.
Engineers who strictly adhere to international maintenance standards are being targeted with warning letters, warnings and forced transfers. The Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SEAP) has strongly condemned these measures and stated that such pressure and intimidation not only endangers flight safety but also damages the reputation of the national airline.
“Instead of addressing core issues such as lack of spare parts, poor planning and unprofessional management, the administration is targeting the very professionals responsible for maintaining safety standards”.
SEAP is adamant that any engineer should not be harassed or punished for carrying out their professional duties with integrity.
“These actions constitute a direct attack on aviation safety and professional ethics,” the company added.
Read: PIA accuses the engineers’ body of derailing the privatization process
SEAP has confirmed that it will challenge all illegal measures in court and highlight these abuses to international aviation bodies, including Aircraft Engineers International (AEI). “No compromise on safety – no engineer can be forced to log off an unsafe aircraft,” SEAP stressed.
PIA Engineers Row
PIA canceled five flights after its engineers union suspended operations, the national flag carrier said in a statement on Friday. The airline alleged that the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan, a de-recognised body, tried to halt PIA operations during the late hours of Thursday “with a malicious plan to sabotage the privatization process”.
“Management, in collaboration with key post holders in the engineering department, responded promptly. Using alternative means and working tirelessly day and night, they restored operations, thereby reducing the impact of already delayed flights,” the statement said.
Read more: PIA sacks two senior SAEP officials over ongoing flight disruptions
PIA confirmed that five flights were canceled following load adjustments and alternative arrangements were offered to affected passengers. The airline assured that flight operations were fully restored and that “customer convenience remains our highest priority”.
On Monday, flight operations were suspended following a battle between PIA and its flight engineers, who stopped issuing airworthiness clearances in protest against the behavior of the airline’s managing director. The suspension left 12 international flights grounded after 20:00 which caused difficulties for passengers including Umrah pilgrims. SAEP had announced that its members would not return to work until the CEO changed his behavior.
