Islamabad, 15 August 2024 (TDI): Due to the extended maintenance grounding of its fleet of aircraft, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which is currently up for sale, has sustained an incredible operational and financial loss of about Rs21.81 billion.
The auditor general’s report states that PIA’s aircraft required normal maintenance that took 44–239 days, which is far longer than anticipated.
Serious operational delays and financial losses totaling Rs21.81 billion resulted from the excessive delay, which was ascribed to administrative carelessness.
Management of PIA was notified of the problem in September 2023, according to the report.
But, lack of funds and payment problems made it extremely difficult for the airline to carry out necessary maintenance and repairs on time.
The audit report also exhorts the national flag carrier to submit documentation about the aircraft’s extended grounding as well as other relevant financial matters.
Also read: IMF forecasts 3.5% Growth for Pakistan’s Economy in FY25
It’s important to remember, though, that PIA has encountered similar difficulties before.
In the past, discrepancies of Rs38.40 billion were also brought to light, therefore the recurrence of these problems is extremely concerning.
