Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has received an appreciation letter from the relevant Chinese authorities for ensuring prevention and control measure against Covid-19 pandemic and extending full cooperation during its flight operation in Xi’an, China.
The office of the Foreign Affairs Working Committee of the CPC Xi’an Municipal Committee, in a letter to PIA Country Manager, Qadir Bux Sangi, acknowledged the careful arrangements epidemic prevention and control measures adopted by the national flag carrier.
The Chinese authorities also noted the PIA staff at Xi’an station was not afraid of risk and troubles and they provided meticulous services such as seat, flight transfer, meal, guarantees and special ticket change etc during the mission.
Read more: Europe refuses to lift restrictions on PIA?
Thanking for the support, the relevant authorities expressed sincere respect for the efforts made by the relevant personnel of the airlines.
PIA is currently operating its commercial passenger flight from Islamabad-Xi’an-Beijing-Islamabad route.
EASA ban on PIA
European Union Aviation Safety Agency imposed a ban on PIA in July 2020 due to licensing and flight safety concerns.
Reportedly the European Agency responsible for flights safety has declined to lift ban on PIA.
This is what happens when federal ministers open their mouths too wide, too often without thinking and with total impunity— Farhatullah Babar (@FarhatullahB) January 22, 2022
EASA suspended PIA flights to operate in Europe after PIA’s PK8303 crash in Karachi two years back. It imposed the suspension first for six months and then indefinitely.
EASA extended the ban twice: first in December 2020 for three months and then in April 2021 for an indefinite period.
Read more: PIA cuts employees per aircraft to 260
Since then, PIA has been actively taking measures to improve its safety standards. According to the latest EASA letter, it will conduct its audit in February. However, on-site activities depend on the Covid situation.