KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to undergo a major operational and safety assessment as a strict international audit is scheduled to begin just before the national carrier’s takeover by a private consortium.
According to sources, the high-stakes international safety audit will commence on June 8. A specialized team from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is expected to arrive in Pakistan this Sunday to conduct the evaluation.
A Strikingly Rigorous Assessment
Unlike routine inspections, PIA will face a risk-based stringent audit this time. The visiting IATA team will thoroughly examine and scrutinize all operational departments of the airline. This particular audit is deemed critical as its outcomes will directly influence and determine PIA’s global safety rankings and international operational status.
Management on High Alert
In response to the upcoming challenge, the PIA management has swung into high gear. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PIA has strictly instructed all departments to ensure flawless preparations, while employees have been ordered to update all safety policy manuals and ensure that operational records are complete, accurate, and readily available for inspection.
The successful completion of this audit is vital for the airline’s credibility, especially at a time when the government is finalizing the transition of the national carrier to private management.
