‘These actions constitute a direct attack on air safety and professional ethics,’ says SEAP
The engineering department of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has reportedly initiated punitive action against aircraft engineers who refuse to compromise on the safety of passengers and aircraft.
Engineers who strictly adhere to international maintenance standards are being subjected to warning letters, precautionary notices and forced transfers. The Society of Aeronautical Engineers of Pakistan (SEAP) strongly condemned these measures, stating that such pressure and intimidation not only jeopardize flight safety but also damage the reputation of the national airline.
“Instead of addressing fundamental issues such as spare parts shortages, poor planning and unprofessional management, management is targeting the very professionals responsible for maintaining safety standards.”
SEAP remains adamant that all engineers be harassed or punished for carrying out their professional duties with integrity.
“These actions constitute a direct attack on air safety and professional ethics,” the company added.
Read: PIA accuses engineering body of derailing privatization process
SEAP has confirmed that it will challenge all illegal measures in court and will highlight these abuses to international aviation bodies, including Aircraft Engineers International (AEI). “Safety cannot be compromised: no engineer can be forced to authorize an unsafe aircraft,” SEAP emphasized.
PIA Engineers Row
The PIA canceled five flights after its engineering union halted operations, the national flag carrier said in a statement on Friday. The airline claimed that the Pakistan Society of Aeronautical Engineers, a deregistered body, attempted to halt PIA’s operations during the late hours of Thursday “with a nefarious design to sabotage the privatization process.”
“Management, in cooperation with key position holders in the Engineering Department, responded quickly. Using alternative means and working tirelessly day and night, they restored operations, thereby mitigating the impact of the already delayed flights,” the statement said.
Read more: PIA fires two senior SAEP officials amid continued flight disruptions
PIA confirmed that five flights were canceled following load readjustments and alternative arrangements were offered to affected passengers. The airline assured that flight operations were being fully restored and that “customer comfort remains our top priority.”
On Monday, flight operations were suspended following a clash between PIA and its aeronautical engineers, who stopped issuing airworthiness clearances in protest against the behavior of the airline’s chief executive. The suspension grounded 12 international flights after 8pm, causing difficulties for passengers, including Umrah pilgrims. The SAEP had announced that its members would not return to work until the director general changed his behavior.
