PALPA demands unacceptable to PIA: Spokesman CAA

ISLAMABAD: The second round of talks, held here on Monday, between the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Pakistan Airline Pilots Association (PALPA) concluded without an end result.

Speaking to media representatives, a CAA spokesman said the ‘inappropriate demands’ from PALPA were unacceptable to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). He said the demands were tantamount to challenging the writ of PIA's administration.

However, he added that all the options will be tried to resolve the standoff between the two sides.

The statement further said the Senior Joint Secretary Aviation Division has directed PALP pilots to immediately attend to their scheduled flights.

“There is no room for any conditions prior to the restoration of flights,” the CAA spokesman said.

He said the PIA administration was willing to sit with the PALPA representatives and listen to their legitimate demands. In this connection, PALPA has been offered to be part of a 10-member committee, which will be comprised of four pilots from PIA, as many representatives of PALPA and two of PIA management.

However, the PALPA president rejected the proposal and instead put forth three demands.

The spokesman said it was due to the irresponsible attitude of PALPA that the passengers were facing great hardship while at the same time the PIA was also suffering financial losses.

He said PIA will undertake all possible steps to ensure that Hajj flights continue to remain operational.

He said the Aviation Division and PIA administration praises a large number of pilots who refused to take pressure from PALPA. These pilots remained loyal to the organisation and continued to serve the people.

The spokesman said all available options will be employed to overcome the present shortage of pilots.