CAA-Pakistan releases Draft National Aviation Policy - 2007

[Abbas Ali]

Approval still pending.

New Aviation Policy To Promote Commerce, Trade, Aviation Sector: Defence Minister

RAWALPINDI, Jul 14 (APP): The Minister for Defence Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar Monday said the new National Aviation policy will promote aviation sector, commerce and trade in the country. Presiding over a meeting here at the Ministry of Defence he said the main focus of the new draft policy is to promote aviation sector and provide maximum opportunities to domestic airlines and entrepreneurs to enter this field and play their role in boosting the commerce and trade sectors of the country.

He said that the new policy, after approval by the cabinet, would tremendously contribute toward the development of national economy.

He further stated that the new policy would also provide maximum services and facilities to the traveling passengers.

The meeting discussed and reviewed the salient features of the draft policy. Director General Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Farooq Rehmatullah, gave comprehensive presentation to the Minister on the new draft Policy.

The meeting deliberated at length on the various aspects of the policy and noted that it should be in line with the national requirements and cater to the needs of traveling passengers, besides promoting and encouraging cargo trans- shipment hubs so as to support and facilitate the objectives of National Trade Corridor Policy (NTCP).

Apart from the Minister, the meeting was attended by Secretary Defence, Kamran Rasul, Additional Secretary Major General Mir Haider Ali Khan, Director General CAA and other senior officials of Ministry of Defence.

Source: www.app.com.pk

[Abbas Ali]

Presentation Towards Approval Of Draft National Aviation Policy

KARACHI, July 20 (APP): Director General, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Farooq Rahmatullah gave a presentation to the Senate Standing Committee on the progress made towards approval of the draft National Aviation Policy.

The policy envisions a progressive, liberalized and efficient aviation sector based on competition and fair opportunities; regulated to safeguard public and national interest, provide impetus to national economy and to achieve international standards of safety and security.

This policy ensures to provide a level playing field and allows the market forces to determine price, quality, frequency and range of air services options.

The DOCAA informed the committee that extensive coordination with all the stakeholders including the Planning Commission, various ministries, the Federal Board of Revenue, The World Bank, The Asian Development Bank, PIA, Private Airlines, Management of SIAL Airport, Flying Clubs, Charter Operators. Ground Handling Agencies Shippers and Consumers. The draft policy has now been approved by CAA Board and is to be finally approved by the cabinet.

The DOCAA further informed the committee that CAA has embarked upon a restructuring programme by virtue of which three core functions have been separated i.e. the Regulator Function, the Airport Services Function and the Air Navigation Services. Under the three functions CAA has strengthened its regulatory function by laying more emphasis on safety and security aspects. More frequent ramp inspections and snap checks are conducted to ensure improved Safety Surveillance. On the airport Services side lot of improvements are being undertaken to improve the passenger services. Airport surveys are being conducted by neutral bodies to check the standards of services and to help us benchmark the standards.

A recent survey of airport facilities was done by the Singapore Airline graded Lahore Airport as No.1 in the region even better than Dubai. Surveys are also being conducted through Mystery Passengers called Mystery Shopping. Comment Cards have been placed also at all airport for passengers to give their opinion about the facilities and services at the airports.

The DOCAA further informed that CAA has already undertaken the project of New Islamabad International Airport which has been named as Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Airport and is likely to be completed by December 2010.

Besides this Instrument Landing Systems (lLS) are being installed at Quetta, Multan and Peshawar. The Gilgit runway is being extended while Multan runway is being extended widened and strengthened for wide bodies operation as currently it can accommodate B-737 operations only. Quetta airport is being upgraded with Night Landing Facilities for round the clock operations. Airport cities around Karachi and Lahore are in final stages of planning. The Master Planning of Gawadar and Karachi Cargo villages is likely to be completed by the end of current year.

Farooq Rahmatullah, DGCAA further informed that on the Air Navigation side the Radar Systems are being replaced with most modern Radars providing Radar coverage all over Pakistan air space and adjacent areas including extended VHF coverage.

The Chairman Senate Committee Mr. Nisar Memon appreciated the efforts of CAA to undertake such huge projects simultaneously for upgradation of its airports and air navigation services while improving its regulatory role.

The honorable senators also appreciated the efforts of CAA to finalize such a balanced draft of the National Aviation Policy through extensive consultations with all the stakeholder. The presentation on the National Aviation Policy was also appreciated by the Senate Committee. In the end the Chairman Senate Committee Mr. Nisar Memon directed Ministry of Defence to expedite the approval of National Aviation Policy through cabinet.

Source: www.app.com.pk

Senate Committee Asks CAA To Providing Better Facilities To Passengers

Presentation Made By CAA On The Progress Regarding The Proposed New Draft National Aviation Policy.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 19 (APP): The Senate Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production Saturday asked the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to strive for providing better facilities to passengers at the airports so that they could travel in safety and comfort. The Committee which met at Parliament House today under the Chairmanship of Senator Nisar Ahmed Memon.

This observation was made by the Senate Committee while attending a presentation made by the CAA on the progress regarding the proposed new draft National Aviation Policy.

The Senate body was critical of the poor quality services, which are far below the international standards, available at the airports that not only causing a great deal of inconvenience to passengers but also impeding promotion of tourism industry and investment.

The Senate Committee expressed concern over the substandard passengers buses, unhygienic conditions at airports lounges and toilets, lack/shortage of parking space at the airports in addition to poor aircraft maintenance and cleanliness which leaves a lot to be desired.

It said that the cumulative effect of all these factors is that people here are shying away from air travel and airline industry is not contributing substantially towards GDP growth.

The Members of the Senate Committee particularly highlighted the fact that whenever some flight is delayed or canceled, there is nobody to take care of the passengers stranded by this cancellation. It asked the CAA to make it mandatory for the airlines not only to inform the passengers beforehand when the delay is unavoidable but also to make proper arrangements for their lodging.

They said it was observed that the air-hostesses are generally not trained to handle very young children. It was also mentioned that the staircase often lack a roof and the passengers are exposed to harsh weather condition/extreme heat at the airports.

DG, CAA, Farooq Rehmatullah briefed the Committee on the salient features of the new aviation policy. He said that the draft provides a framework that encourages competition an development of new and expended international air services to benefit travelers, shipping and tourism/business sectors.

It gives an opportunity to Pakistani airlines to grow and compete successfully in a more liberalized global environment. It enables airports to market themselves, unhindered by the bilateral constraints to a great extent. It supports and facilitates the objectives of National Transport Master Plan and NTC. It claims to ensure safe, secure, efficient and economically healthy air transportation in Pakistan, he added.

He also informed that Gilgit airport is being upgraded/expanded by incorporating additional 1600 acres area of the park located nearby so that bigger aircraft could also land there. He said that night landing equipment would be made available for Quetta airport and snow clearing equipment is being procured for Chitral airport.

The meeting was attended among others by Senators Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Kamil Ali Agha, Syed Dilawar Abbas, Naeem Hussain Chattha, Ms.Saddia Abbasi, Mrs.Rukhsana Zuberi besides Minister for Defence, Ahmed Mukhtar, Secretary Defenceand DG CAA.

Source: www.app.com.pk

Aviation Policy 2008 To Attract Private Sector

By Sajid Chaudhry

ISLAMABAD: National Aviation Policy 2008 aims at allowing private sector to construct and operate new and existing airports, to start private air taxi service through aircrafts, helicopters on chartered or non-chartered basis, 10-year tax holiday will also be offered to the companies intending manufacturing aircrafts in Pakistan.

National Aviation Policy 2008 is likely to be presented before the federal cabinet in its next meeting for formal approval to facilitate national aviation sector surpass air traffic growth from 7% to over 8% per annum.

Market Access in Air Service: Pakistan shall liberalise bilateral arrangements on reciprocal basis with our bilateral partners to provide service from/to Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad after completion of new airport to the destinations in Western Europe, North America and Africa and to destinations towards East.

While finalising new Air Service Agreements (ASAs), multiple airlines designation clause and article on Code-Share shall be incorporated. There shall be no commercial agreements as part of bilateral agreements. However, airlines shall be free to enter into such co-operative marketing arrangements as are mutually agreeable, which would be outside of ASAs.

Market Access in Cargo Service: Pakistan shall continue to follow open skies policy for cargo operations based on 3rd, 4th, 5th freedom traffic rights. Karachi and Gwadar international airports to shall be promoted as transshipment hub. Cargo villages shall be established on public private partnership at major international airports and linked with National Trade Corridor.

Paid up Capital and Fleet Registration: Paid up capital for Regular Public Transport License shall be increased from Rs.100 million to Rs.500 million, which shall be reviewed periodically by CAA Board. Fleet registration in Pakistan shall be mandatory for all Pakistani aircraft operators except pure cargo aircrafts. Requirement of minimum fleet size for a Regular Public Transport (RPT) license holder shall be at least 3 airworthy aircrafts for domestic operations and at least 4 airworthy aircrafts for international operations. There shall be no permanent addition to capacity by inducting foreign registered aircraft on wet lease other than pure cargo aircraft. Temporary induction of foreign registered aircraft on wet lease may be permitted under extra ordinary circumstances for a short period subject to a maximum period of 90 days. For induction of aircraft, the criteria of minimum remaining operational cycles/hours shall be prescribed by the Director General CAA through Air Navigational Order (ANO).

Tax Holiday: Some 10 year tax holiday would be granted to air craft manufacturers to encourage them invest in aircraft manufacturing units in Pakistan along with establishment of aircraft maintenance companies, flying training schools and ground training schools. Government would rationalize and reduce taxes chargeable to passengers on international and domestic routes. The government would also exempt all taxes and duties on air tickets on secondary destinations. The same privilege shall be extended to operators of small aircrafts and helicopters.

Security equipments and weapons imported by Airport Security Force, CAA, private airports and other operators shall also be exempted from all taxes and duties.

Air Taxi Service: New National Aviation Policy to introduce Air Taxi Service Concept in Pakistan. According to the draft policy document, about 64% of Pakistan population lives in rural areas, with little or no access to air travel even in emergency, for want of air strip, helicopter, helipads and suitable aircrafts to commute to/from remote areas. There are fairly large numbers of cities, which are developed to adopt the concept of air taxi and private owned aircraft for commuting.

In order to develop Air Taxi Service concept in Pakistan the procedure for acquisition and operation of aircrafts, including helicopter, micro-light ultra-light air crafts and hot air balloons shall be liberalized to encourage travel and sports activities.

Use of helicopters for tourism, emergency operations and adventure sports in private sector would be promoted and encouraged and no charges would be imposed for such operations. Liberalized guidelines would be formulated, in consultation with users, to promote and encourage private investment in flying clubs, air taxi service, private ownership of the aircraft, and aero-sports activities i.e. hang gliding, ballooning, heli-skiing and para-jumping. Flying clubs shall be facilitated to overcome shortage of pilots in the country i.e. to develop air strips out side control zones of major air ports fort exclusive use of training flights and to lease Civil Aviation facilities to flying clubs where available.

Charter Service: Under the new policy domestic charter operations would be allowed to Pakistani Operators only using Pakistani registered aircraft including helicopters flown by Pakistani pilots. International charter originating from Pakistan would be allowed on all international routes irrespective of the scheduled operations. On routes

Commercialization of Airports: “Airport Cities” shall be developed including hotels on public private partnership at all major airports. Vacant land at airports shall be evaluated and developed for construction of aviation facilities like cargo complexes and aircraft maintenance facilities. Land at remote and non-operational airports shall be utilized for non-aeronautical commercial and recreational purposes. CAA shall formulate land lease policy to make it commercially viable for private investors.

New Airports: Construction of new commercial airports would be permitted to meet the air traffic. Private sector shall be free to construct and operate new as well as existing airports, airstrips, helipads, heliports including cargo complexes on BOO, BOT, or any other management arrangement and to raise non-aeronautical revenues from these premises. Privatization of airports shall be pursued to make them more efficient and productive.

Consumers Protection: To protect the interests of the users, facilitation committee consisting representatives from government, passengers, travel and tour operators, aircraft operators, airport operators, exporters, importers, cargo handling agents, aero-sports and flying clubs would be set up at national regional and local levels.

Source: Daily Times

[Abbas Ali]

Aviation Policy Engulfed In Uncertainty

By Zulqernain Tahir

LAHORE, Sept 2: The federal cabinet has yet to approve the National Aviation Policy despite its clearance by the defence ministry about a year ago.

The Civil Aviation Authority’s board of directors, the defence ministry and planning commission had approved the draft of the aviation policy in November last and submitted it to the federal government for approval.

“After coming into power, the PPP-led coalition government has yet to feature it (aviation policy draft) in the cabinet meeting which shows that it is not on the priority list of the government,” CAA former director-general Farooq Rahmatullah said. Had it been approved six months ago, he added, a number of initiatives proposed in the policy would have been implemented by now. The aviation policy when approved (by cabinet) would provide a level playing-field to the indigenous airlines, he said.

According to the draft of the policy, Pakistani scheduled airlines shall operate on domestic routes for at least one year before commencing operations on international routes. Operations to at least one secondary airport shall be mandatory for new airlines after three years, starting from the date of operations.

The Pakistani airlines shall be eligible to commence operations on international routes after one year of continued satisfactory operations on domestic routes. There shall be no mandatory commercial agreements as part of bilateral agreements, however, airlines shall be free to enter into such cooperative marketing arrangements as are mutually agreeable, which will be outside of air services agreements.

Pakistan shall continue to follow open skies policy for cargo operations based on third, fourth and fifth freedom traffic rights. Karachi and Gwadar shall be promoted as trans-shipment hubs. Cargo villages shall be established on public-private partnership at major international airports and linked with the NTC.

The private sector shall be free to construct and operate new\existing airports\airstrips\helipad\heliports, including cargo complexes, on BOO, BOT or any other management arrangement and to raise non-aeronautical revenues from these premises. Privatisation of airports shall be pursued to make them more efficient and productive. Airport cities shall be developed on public-private partnership at all major airports.

The draft further reads: “The paid-up capital for regular public transport licence shall be Rs500 million, which shall be reviewed periodically by the authority’s board. The current operators will enhance their paid-up capital to Rs500 million within two years from the date of policy approval.

“Fleet registration in Pakistan shall be mandatory for all Pakistani aircraft operators, except pure cargo aircraft. Requirement of minimum fleet size for a regulator public transport licence aircraft holder shall have at least three airworthy aircraft for domestic operations and four for international operations.

“There shall be no permanent addition to capacity by inducting foreign registered aircraft on wet lease other than pure cargo aircraft. Temporary induction of foreign registered aircraft on wet lease may be permitted under extraordinary circumstances for a short period subject to minimum 90 days.”

The CAA as a regulator shall oversee, intervene and mediate in case of predatory pricing and practices in the interest of the travellers. All fares shall continue to remain deregulated and the CCA shall make rules, regulations and procedures to redress public grievances and adjudicate these on merit.

There shall be no government taxes on the purchase of air tickets for travel to\from secondary airports, on aviation fuel consumed for operations and no landing and housing charges at the secondary airports.

The CAA DG shall permit the induction of fixed wing aircraft as well as helicopters of all weight categories on a lease and purchase basis. Security clearance for the import of fixed wing aircraft and helicopters on a purchase basis shall not be required in respect of Pakistani companies and nationals holding valid licences.

To ensure safe, efficient and expeditious flow of air traffic in Pakistan airspace; state-of-the-art communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) and air traffic management (ATM) systems shall be established in the country. Security equipment and weapons imported for use by the Airport Security Force, the CAA, private airports and other operators shall be exempted from all taxes and customs duties.

Tax holiday shall be granted to aircraft manufacturers, maintenance companies, flying training schools and ground training schools for 10 years, the draft concludes.

Farooq Rahmatullah said the CAA’s revenue increased from Rs6.5 billion to Rs14 billion during the last two years, suggesting that it might reach Rs30 billion if the airport cities were commercially developed.

Source: DAWN

[aslihan]

They left it to new govt in 2007. Now they have to scrap it.

[Abbas Ali]

Appointment of new DG CAA: but where is the national aviation policy

Sunday, October 26, 2008

By Moeed ur Rehman

Much has been written and advertised about the most expensive restructuring of the CAA, commercialisation and privatisation of some of the airports, drastic measures on safety and security issue, and introducing the IMS in the Authority but there is no clue of the announcement of the new aviation policy which should have been a core issue and priority of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority.

This scribe remembers that ex-DG CAA Farook Rehmatullaha, who is preparing to take charge as OGDC chairman, has declared in his last few months of service in the CAA that the aviation policy will be introduced shortly but till date nothing has been heard about the most awaited announcement of the implementation of the new aviation policy. The new aviation policy which was prepared by CAA is expected to open new corridors in aviation sectors and may promote not only tourism but also may bring great attractions for private importers, manufacturers, and airlines operators besides promoting national sports and aviation industry of the country. Special tax exemptions/holidays and other attractions are the main features of the forthcoming aviation policy.

A source in aviation has disclosed that the only opposition which the CAA is facing is the PIAC which never wanted implementation of this policy. “They fear that the PIAC’s interests have not been watched or safeguarded although while finalising this policy each and every operator including small aviators have been consulted,” well-placed source in air transport department of the CAA disclosed.

Air blue mastermind and chief operation officer MNA Shahid Khakan Abbasi while informally talking a few days ago, was of the view that the policy should have come by all means as every one is waiting for it. “I fail to understand when every thing, as they say, is ok, then why the delay is,” he added.

The entire aviation sector of the country including hot balloon sports organisers are now anxiously waiting for the announcement but when this is the question which CAA authorities have to clarify in the best interest of the aviation sector.

In the meantime, another great development has been witnessed as the federal government has finally appointed a new director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority Pakistan and that too from the CAA. The ministry of defence issued a notification to this effect the other day.

The new DG CAA Air Commodore Junaid Amin (retired), the sitting chief of airport services and chief of human resources of the CAA Pakistan, is a senior retired officer of the Pakistan Air Force, who by bad luck could not get next grade in the PAF despite a clean and unblemished service record.

He was sent to the CAA on deputation about few years ago where he, after his retirement from the PAF and after completion of deputation period, was given two years’ contract which was to expire this year.

The appointment of the new DG CAA has put to rest reports that President Asif Ali Zardar, who has the unique habit of taking surprising and unexpected decisions, will appoint someone from the list referred by the ministry of defence or from the long list of those names referred by some of PPP stalwarts who wanted to see their own man in such a lucrative high-profile post. “The nomination and approval of the name of Mr Junaid as DG CAA might not have surprised ex-DG CAA Farook Rehmatullah who during his last meeting with the country’s top brass had recommended his name for the present post.” Yes, I have mentioned his name for the slot because he is the best from the available lot,” Farook confessed a few days ago. “They asked me about my successor and I gave them three names from the CAA. Junaid Amin’s name was on top because he is the best from the available lot,” Farook said.

However as per aviation experts in the country, despite all, the present assignment which is the highest in the CAA is not a bed of roses for Mr Junaid Amin, especially in the presence of continuous interference by the ministry defence in all CAA matters. Let us see how he tackles his own ministry and the political pressure from politicians,” political analysts say. “Junaid is a clean man but he may not bear political pressures alone. For this, he needs strong teams both inside and outside the CAA,” they opine.

Interestingly, all most all the ex-DG CAA, who tried to get rid of continuous interference from the ministry of defence, lost their jobs as they could not develop good working relations with their own parent ministry and were forced to leave the CAA much before the expiry of their contract. Only three survived who avoided collision with the ministry. Mr Farook Rahmattullah was the only DG CAA who throughout his tenure as the DG CAA tried his level best to pull out the CAA from the continuous interference from the ministry of defence so much so he developed an open tug of war with the then secretary defence over a lot of burning issues.

The then secretary defence had reportedly written a letter to the chief executive against Farook Rehmatullah. But luckily due to close contacts with former president of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf, former prime minister Shaukat Aziz, and his own personality, not only did he manage to survive himself but showed exit to the then secretary of defence whose contract despite hectic pressure was not renewed by the president.

Aviation experts are of the view that the new DG CAA is a wise, clean man and experienced officer and he may not take the risk of head-on collision with his own ministry over petty issues. “He is likely to avoid tug of war with the ministry and he should use friendly relations and fetch a lot of benefits for the CAA,” they say. He may also face a lot of challenges inside the CAA during his two years’ contract as the DG CAA, they further fear.

The immediate tasks which the new DG CAA may face are to review or to continue the ongoing restructuring process of the CAA which were started by his predecessor (although it never worked and started creating administrative problems). Completion of mega projects like ontime construction of the new airport at Islamabad, and completion of all the development projects, especially of Gilgit, Peshawar, and Skardu which after the departure of Farook Rehmatullah turned into status-quo position. Besides this, the forthcoming ICAO security/audit meeting, other security threats at all the airports, PIACís aircraft and recovery of outstanding dues issues may be a hard test for the new DG CAA. Least but not last, the delay in the announcement of a new aviation policy may be another hard and immediate task.

Aviation experts observe that the only immediate task and test for the new DG CAA is that how he tackles this issue and when he gets the approval of the cabinet. His success and failure depends on this immediate test only as we consider it the top priority and real exam of Mr Junaid, an aviation observer is of the view.

Close friends who worked with Mr Junaid assured that with vast experience of working in all kinds of weather he shall overcome the difficulties. “Junaid has seen good and bad weather during his service and is known to be the master of handling such tasks,” one of the DG CAA’s close friends, who did not want to be identified, told this scribe.

Taking about the fear which is in the minds of some of the aviators that his DDG may influence his decisions or may create problems for him in running day-to-day affairs of the CAA as he is a serving Air Vice Marshal, he said the DDG CAA has served under him in the air force and has already vowed to work under him in the best interest of the organisation.

Talking to this scribe, a senior officer of the CAA said that the confidence of CAA officers was also shaken during the last tenure of the ex-DG CAA as deserving officers were sidetracked and influential officers were promoted breaking all the service rules. We expect that due rights would be given to the right and deserving officers during the tenure of this DG CAA who knows the ins and outs of this organization, he added.

Aviation experts in the country are of the opinion that the present DG CAA, who has the ability to tackle all kinds of situation at this preliminary stage, should not only take all the staff and officers of the CAA in confidence but he should take the ministry also on board before taking any decision, and if he does so, he would be the most success. “Once he gets command and control of the affairs he should try to keep the CAA off the clutches of the ministry of defence and make the CAA a liberal and independent authority which is the need of the hour,” they say.

Source: The News

[Abbas Ali]

Still pending approval

New Aviation Policy Imperative For Growth: CAA

Thursday, August 20, 2009

KARACHI: The government must approve a new aviation policy immediately if it wants to increase the number of airlines, which could help the aviation industry to grow, Director General Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Air Commodore (Retd) Junaid Ameen said on Wednesday.

“There remains a doubt in minds of investors,” he said while speaking to The News on the sidelines of a conference on civil aviation in Pakistan. “Until the policy is approved, investors will remain confused.”

The Aviation Policy 2007, which seeks to liberalise the country’s airspace, has been awaiting government’s approval for the past two years. Among other things, it allows small aircraft like 48-seater twin-engine airplanes to be used for scheduled charter service.

Ameen said private investors had expressed interest in starting charter services. “We are in talks with two parties. One wants to operate aircraft from Karachi to Lahore and the other from here to Islamabad.”

He said there was a lot of growth potential for airlines as all the existing ones were making good revenues. “Pakistani airlines have 80pc aircraft occupancy ratio and that is very good in present circumstances.”

Asked if the CAA would continue to allow access to foreign carriers, he said international airlines willing to increase frequency could not be barred. The regulator had to look after the interest of passengers as well, he said.

“We cannot ban airlines just because the national carrier is not making profit,” he said, about the tough time Gulf carriers were giving to loss-incurring Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). “PIA is not facing difficulties because of competition. There are other issues related to management.”

He said competition should not be restricted as open skies had become a norm everywhere in the world.

The conference titled ‘Civil aviation — lifeline to national and global economy’ heard experts emphasising on the need of exploiting the regional location of Pakistan, which connects different regions.

Adnan Hassan, former World Bank adviser and Chairman Mecasa Advisers, a financial consultancy firm, said efforts must be made to gear up the aviation industry for coming opportunities.

“For next few years, the highest passenger growth will take place in the neighbouring Middle East region,” he said.

Source: The News

Growth of aviation industry depends on new policy

Published: August 30, 2009

KARACHI (APP) - Air Cdre. (Rtd.) Junaid Ameen, Director General CAA has said that the new aviation policy still awaits the approval of the government and once it is finalized, there will be an increase in the number of airlines, which could help the aviation industry to grow.

He was speaking at a conference on Civil Aviation in Pakistan - Lifeline to National & Global Economy organized by Investment Marketing Conferences here at a local hotel.

The conference was attended by a large number of professionals from Aviation industry, stakeholders, bankers, prominent businessmen and other eminent personalities while S M Muneer, President, Pakistan-India CCI and President Pakistan-Canada Business Council was the chief guest. Brig. Sahir Aslam Butt, DG ASF and Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Advisor to Ministry of Textile also attended the conference.

Adnan Hassan, former Sr. Advisor World Bank Group, Farooq Rahmatullah, former Director General CAA and Salim Sayani, Deputy Managing Director, PIA were the keynote speakers while many other experts from aviation and allied industries also spoke on the occasion.

Source: The Nation

[Abbas Ali]

Aviation Policy Yet To See Light of Day

By Amin Ahmed

ISLAMABAD, Dec 6: As thousands of passenger and cargo flights crisscross the skies each day, becoming the lifeline of virtually all the economies, the aviation industry in Pakistan is suffering due to the absence of a coherent policy framework.

The National Aviation Policy was formulated some two years ago but it has yet to be approved by the government.

According to information collated on the occasion of ‘International Aviation Day’ being observed on Monday, the aviation policy is gathering dust in files of the defence ministry for the past two years.

The ministry is supposed to send the policy document -- drafted by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) --- to the federal cabinet for approval.

A senior official of the Civil Aviation Authority told Dawn on Sunday that the ministry had sought some clarifications about the policy six months ago.

The Civil Aviation Authority promptly provided the required information to the ministry, thereby removing the hurdles to approval of the policy, he said.

At present, 22 foreign airlines are operating flights from Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi international airports. The Peshawar airport has been closed.

Only two Pakistani airlines, both of them in the private sector, are operating flights, besides the national carrier PIA.

The official said three foreign airlines had recently started operating from Pakistan. These were private airlines from Bangladesh, Iraq and Kyrgyzstan.

A Syrian airline and two private Afghan airlines would soon start their operations in Pakistan, he said.

Source: DAWN

[Abbas Ali]

The Peshawar airport has been closed.

Correction: Peshawar Airport is open, PIA and privately-owned Pakistani airlines AirBlue and Shaheen Air continue to operate domestic and international flights from Peshawar Airport.