Malaysian Authorities Seize Pakistan Airlines' B777 Over Unpaid Dues for Second Time in 2 years

Radhika Bansal

31 May 2023

A Boeing 777 jet operated by Pakistan International Airlines Corp. was impounded on May 29 in Kuala Lumpur over unpaid charges to a leasing company, forcing the carrier to send a replacement aircraft to pick up stranded passengers.

A Malaysian court ordered the plane to be seized on the lessor’s request, PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan said in a statement. Khan said that the state-owned airline will seek legal remedies to free the plane, saying that the disputed amount has already been paid.

This is the second time in the past two years that a PIA aircraft has been seized in the Southeast Asian nation. A spokesperson for AerCap Holdings NV, which Khan identified as the lessor, didn’t respond to a request seeking comment.

PIA has been struggling to overcome its financial problems after the European Union banned its fight operations in 2020 over fake pilot licenses. The Beoing 777 was acquired by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on lease from Malaysia. The plane with the BMH registration number was stopped for the second time at the Kuala Lumpur airport over payment of dues worth USD 4 million. The company ‘seized’ the PIA plane after receiving the order from a local court after payment of dues, the report said.

What happened the first time?

This is the second time the PIA aircraft has been seized in Malaysia over a dues issue. The same aircraft was seized by the Kuala Lumpur airport authorities in 2021 on the same issue. Later, the plane was released on diplomatic assurance about the payment of dues. The seized plane was brought back to Pakistan on January 27 along with 173 passengers and crew members on board.

The leasing company alleged that the Pakistani flag carrier stopped making payments in July 2020. It said it had filed a case against PIA in London High Court in October over the failure to pay a leasing fee of about USD 14 million, pending for six months. In response, Pakistan International Airlines claimed that since the pandemic affected the aviation industry, overhead charges should have been reduced.

Without any amicable solutions or payments, Peregrine Aviation Charlie Limited kept a watchful eye on the activities of the flag carrier. And upon learning of PK 895's scheduled landing in Malaysia, the aircraft lessor appealed to the Malaysian court to seize the aircraft per international civil aviation leasing laws. The impound lasted for two weeks and was only released by the Kuala Lumpur High Court after both parties said they reached an amicable settlement.

The Pakistani flag carrier has been struggling to pay salaries for months due to a shortage of cash, and according to the pilots, the government has not stepped in to help either. This has left employees out of pocket and could lead to significant operational disruption if the walkout goes ahead.

PIA is currently banned from flying to the European Union, the UK, and the US - three huge markets for the airline, and the loss of revenue from being unable to operate these services is hitting its finances hard. In a bid to keep hold of its coveted slots at London Heathrow (LHR) while not in use, PIA has temporarily offered them to Turkish Airlines and Kuwait Airways.

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Alliance Air Plans to Implement ChatGPT Solutions to Overhaul Its IT Systems

Radhika Bansal

31 May 2023

While the Tatas grapple with the turnaround of Air India, its erstwhile regional subsidiary Alliance Air has quietly overhauled its IT systems by moving to a cloud-based infrastructure.

“The airline has achieved a remarkable digital transformation by implementing SAP RISE 2022 Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to SAP cloud. With the help of implementation partner Wiredsoft - Ally Wiredsoft Solutions (P) Ltd. - the airline successfully completed the migration ahead of schedule, showcasing their commitment to innovation and progress. Recognizing the need for modernization due to their outdated systems on a decade-old on-premise IT infrastructure, Alliance Air moved to a cutting-edge cloud infrastructure, a step towards improving operational efficiency and enhancing the customer experience,” said Mukesh Sareen head of IT at the state-run airline.

“The implementation of the SAP RISE system will revolutionize key business operations in Finance, Human Resources, Commercial Operations, and Engineering. This will unlock new possibilities for the airline,” said Manoj Aggarwal, director of Ally Wiredsoft Solutions. The airline has also been exploring use cases for ChatGPT to uplift its customer experience.

The airline’s transformation is being led by CEO Mr. Vineet Sood, Head-IT Mr. Mukesh Sareen, along with Chief Financial Officer Mr. Ambar Mondal.

Centre allocates Rs 600 cr to Alliance Air

Centre has decided to infuse Rs 600 crore in the divestment-bound airline Alliance Air to restructure some of its debt and aid in alleviating its financial woes. As per industry and government sources, INR 600 crore will be infused in two tranches of INR 300 crore each. The first tranche is expected to be infused soon while the second tranche will only be released on the achievement of certain operational and financial milestones.

According to sources, the plan is expected to provide financial relief on the working capital front along with alleviating some airline debt. At present, the airline has an external debt of around INR 1,200 crore on its books. It has a turnover of more than INR 1,000 crore per annum. In FY22, the airline reported a net loss of INR 4,473.92 million from a loss of INR 3,599.32 million reported in FY21. Consequent to the financial woes, the airline recently faced resentment from pilots, who protested against the non-restoration of their pre-pandemic pay.

Presently, Alliance Air operates 56 destinations within India with over 130 departures per day. Furthermore, the airline is a major operator of flights under the UDAN (regional air connectivity) scheme, operating around 60 flights daily. It has a fleet of 18 ATR 72-600, 2 ATR 42-600 and 1 Dornier Do-228 aircraft.

The airline was an erstwhile part of Air India before the latter’s divestment. Currently, it is operated as a division under Air India Asset Holdings (AIAHL). It was founded in 1996 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of then Indian Airlines, which later merged with Air India. In 2021, Tata Group bought the debt-ridden Air India from the Central government, thereby, Alliance Air, as the only airline under the Centre’s control

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DGCA Relaxes The Application Process for Heliport Licenses

Radhika Bansal

31 May 2023

Aviation regulator DGCA has simplified the application process for heliport licenses, and applicants can now seek clearances through a single window on the regulator's portal. Before submitting online applications for heliport licenses, applicants had to seek NOC (No Objection Certificate)/ clearance from five entities.

The entities are the home ministry, defence ministry, environment and forest ministry, Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the local administration concerned. Now, the applications for NOC/ clearance can be routed to the five entities through a single window provided on the eGCA portal, an official release said on Tuesday.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) grants heliport license/ operational authorisation to the heliports at the surface level and at elevated/rooftop buildings in compliance with the aircraft rules.

Before submitting the online applications, applicants were required to apply to the following five organizations online or physically to obtain NOC or Clearance Ministry of Home, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Environment and Forest, Airport Authority of India and Local Administration.

Applicants are required to submit an online application through the regulator's eGCA portal. Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia has laid a special focus on ease of doing business. The eGCA (e-Governance in Directorate General of Civil Aviation) portal was launched in November 2021 to enhance the efficiency of the various services provided by the civil aviation regulator DGCA.

DGCA is the nodal authority that grants Heliport Licenses or Operational Authorization to the heliports at the surface level as well as at elevated levels, in compliance with Aircraft Rules and the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR). Interested applicants seeking a licence must submit an online application to DGCA through the eGCA portal.

UDAN 5.1 To Bolster Connectivity Through Helicopters In Remote Areas

In a bid to bolster connectivity and ensure seamless access to remote areas across the nation, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, on May 24, unveiled UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) 5.1. Building upon the success of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)- UDAN through four previous rounds, and with the ongoing implementation of the fifth round (version 5.0), the latest initiative takes a stride forward by incorporating helicopters to achieve last-mile connectivity.

According to an official statement, for the first time under RCS-UDAN, this round is designed specifically for helicopter routes. UDAN 5.1 introduces several notable features to enhance connectivity and accessibility across the country. UDAN 5.1, developed after consultations with stakeholders including helicopter operators, aims to provide last-mile connectivity and boost the Indian civil aviation industry's helicopter segment.

The current version of the scheme has been designed after consultations with all stakeholders including helicopter operators. While the intended target is to provide last-mile connectivity, it is also projected to give the helicopter segment of the Indian civil aviation industry a much-needed boost, the release said. To date, 46 helicopter routes have been operationalised under previous rounds of the scheme, benefitting several hilly and North East states. The release further noted that This round targets coverage of a much larger number of routes. At present, there are only around 280 civilian choppers in India which are used in various sectors.

Under the UDAN scheme passengers have received the benefit of air connectivity, airlines have received concessions for operating regional routes, and unserved regions have received the direct and indirect benefits of air connectivity for their economic development. The present version of the scheme will be another step towards the Prime Minister's vision of allowing the common man to travel by air at affordable fares to remote destinations of the country.

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Boeing Ups 787 Dreamliner Production Rate from Three to Four

Abhishek Nayar

31 May 2023

In recent years, the aviation industry has grown significantly, with airlines all over the world pursuing more fuel-efficient and technologically sophisticated aircraft. Boeing Co. has announced an increase in production and plans to expand its Charleston, South Carolina, facilities in order to fulfil the increased demand for its widebody 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The decision comes as the aerospace company works to deliver orders and preserve its position as an industry leader.

Boeing Boosts 787 Dreamliner Production

Boeing has chosen to increase the monthly production rate of its 787 Dreamliner from three to four aircraft. This increase will enable the corporation to satisfy current demand while also reducing order backlogs. Boeing, on the other hand, has even more ambitious plans for the future, hoping to increase production to five jets per month by the end of the year. After producing Dreamliners at a slower pace earlier in the year, the firm stated in April that it had stabilized 787 production at three aircraft per month. The decision to boost production is based on market data and consumer feedback, which show that the 787 Dreamliner is in high demand. Boeing can better meet the demands of its customers and secure its market position by increasing output. Boeing has stated that it intends to deliver 70 to 80 of these aircraft in 2023.

Charleston, South Carolina, Production Facility Expansion

Boeing intends to establish a second manufacturing line at its Charleston, South Carolina, facilities to handle the higher production pace. This extension will offer the capacity and infrastructure required to accommodate the increased output. Additionally, the business is working on updating inventory on 787s at the Charleston location to satisfy the US Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) safety regulations. The modification involves fixing miniscule gaps in the forward pressure bulkhead that exceed specifications. Boeing's manufacturing facility in Everett, Washington, where 787s are also being modified to meet FAA standards, will continue to do so, according to Ballard. Lane Ballard, Boeing's vice president and general manager for the 787 programme, indicated that the changes are necessary to guarantee compliance with FAA requirements. The firm is committed to providing its clients with safe and dependable aircraft, and these upgrades will help them reach that aim. Ballard made the announcement while taking reporters on a tour of the company's Charleston production site, only two months after Boeing announced a major order for over 200 Dreamliners.

Benefits of Increased Production

Boeing and its stakeholders will benefit from the decision to boost production in various ways. For starters, it enables the corporation to satisfy growing client demand for the 787 Dreamliner. Airlines are looking for more efficient and comfortable aircraft, and the technological features of the Dreamliner make it an appealing option. Boeing can ensure timely delivery and customer satisfaction by increasing output. Furthermore, increased production will benefit Boeing's financial performance. As more aircraft are delivered, the corporation generates additional revenue and improves its profitability. This increases its market position and provides the resources required for future research and development initiatives.

Considerations and Challenges

While boosting production is an important milestone for Boeing, it also brings with it some novel concerns and considerations. Supply chain management is one of the most important elements. Boeing relies on a complex network of suppliers to supply the Dreamliner with the essential components and materials. To minimize production delays or disruptions, it is critical to manage the increased volume and provide a continuous supply. Another factor to consider is labor training and competence. The increasing output requires a competent workforce capable of satisfying the increased demand. To achieve a seamless transition to increased production levels, Boeing will need to invest in training programmes and expand its workforce.

Positive Impact on the Aerospace Industry

The move by Boeing to enhance production and expand its facilities has larger implications for the aerospace sector. For starters, it directly and indirectly provides employment possibilities as the firm recruits additional personnel and supports economic growth in the communities where its facilities are situated. This employment generation has a good impact on the surrounding communities, assisting companies and raising living standards. Furthermore, higher manufacturing strengthens Boeing's global competitiveness. As the demand for aircraft grows, Boeing gains a competitive edge by being able to satisfy that demand while still delivering high-quality products. This assists the firm in securing new orders and maintaining its position as an industry leader.

Conclusion

Boeing's decision to boost the 787 Dreamliner production pace and expand its facilities in Charleston, South Carolina, illustrates the company's commitment to satisfying customer demand and enhancing its market position. Boeing intends to meet rising demand for its fuel-efficient and technologically sophisticated aircraft by increasing output and building a second production line. The increased manufacturing not only benefits Boeing, but it also benefits the whole aerospace sector. It generates job opportunities, promotes economic growth, and boosts global competitiveness. Boeing's position as a prominent player in the aviation sector is strengthened as it continues to deliver more Dreamliners.

With Inputs from Reuters

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Air Canada's Partnership with PAL Airlines: Boosting Regional Capacity and Connectivity

Abhishek Nayar

31 May 2023

The aviation industry constantly evolves, with airlines seeking novel approaches to expand their reach while offering improved services to passengers. Air Canada, one of Canada's premier airlines, has long been dedicated to expanding its regional network. Air Canada has entered into a deal with PAL Airlines, a regional carrier operating primarily in eastern Canada, to achieve this objective.

Air Canada's Partnership with PAL Airlines

Air Canada has established a partnership with PAL Airlines, clearing the path for additional capacity and improved connectivity in its regional network. The two airlines' strategic alliance intends to boost Air Canada's position in eastern Canada by offering passengers additional flying options and seamless travel experiences. Under the stipulations of the agreement, PAL Airlines will acquire up to six De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft, which will be operated under the Air Canada Express name for up to five years. Air Canada may now benefit from PAL Airlines' experience and regional presence, effectively extending its capacity in eastern Canada. PAL Airlines President Calvin Ash stated, "PAL Airlines has steadily expanded its extensive presence in Eastern and Atlantic Canada by focusing on the strategic expansion of sustainable, essential services that connect to national carrier networks." This planned deal with Air Canada is a natural continuation of that strategy. It would allow us to expand our operations further, improve our capacity to enhance regional connectivity, and strengthen PAL Airlines' footprint in the areas that have always been supportive of our expansion."

The Details of the Agreement

Acquisition of De Havilland Dash 8-400s

PAL Airlines' promise of acquiring up to six De Havilland Dash 8-400s demonstrates their commitment to expanding their fleet and service capabilities. These contemporary, fuel-efficient aircraft are ideal for regional flights, providing a good blend of passenger comfort and operational efficiency.

Operation Under Air Canada Express

After acquiring the aircraft, PAL Airlines will operate them under the Air Canada Express brand. This agreement enables Air Canada to benefit from PAL Airlines' operational expertise, resulting in a seamless and consistent travel experience for passengers on both airlines.

Eastern Canada Routes

The arrangement focuses mostly on flights in eastern Canada, where PAL Airlines has a substantial presence. Air Canada hopes that by adding these flights to its regional network, it will give passengers enhanced connections and easy travel alternatives to numerous locations around the area.

Advantages of the Agreement

The partnership between Air Canada and PAL Airlines provides various advantages to both airlines and customers.

Enhanced Capacity

Air Canada can accommodate a larger volume of passengers by adding up to six De Havilland Dash 8-400s to its regional network. This enhanced capacity allows more people to travel comfortably and conveniently, even to rural parts of eastern Canada.

Regional Network Enhancement

This arrangement will have a substantial impact on Air Canada's regional network. The acquisition of PAL Airlines flights broadens Air Canada's reach, allowing it to serve a greater choice of destinations and communities in eastern Canada.

Increased Connectivity

Passengers will benefit from enhanced connections between several eastern Canadian cities and communities. Air Canada and PAL Airlines' partnership means that travellers may easily visit different locations without having to make several transfers or layovers. This seamless travel experience improves the comfort and flexibility of travelers' trips.

Passengers' Experience

The deal between Air Canada and PAL Airlines directly affects customers, providing them with a slew of advantages and opportunities.

Additional Flight Options

Passengers may expect more travel options now that PAL Airlines has joined forces with Air Canada. The new aircraft and routes contribute to a more extended flight schedule, giving travellers a larger selection of departure times and destinations within eastern Canada.

Convenience and Flexibility

Passengers will benefit from additional convenience and flexibility as a result of the improved connection and enlarged regional network. Whether travelling for work or pleasure, customers can choose the best flights based on their schedules and preferences, making their travel experiences more personalized and convenient.

Traveling Effortlessly

This agreement reinforces Air Canada's commitment to offering a smooth travel experience. Passengers may switch between Air Canada and PAL Airlines flights with ease, maintaining the same level of service, comfort, and reliability throughout their journey. This agreement guarantees that travellers have a uniform travel experience from the time they buy their tickets until they arrive at their final destination.

Conclusion

The agreement signed between Air Canada and PAL Airlines is a significant step forward in the growth of the airline's regional network. The acquisition of up to six De Havilland Dash 8-400s, which will be operated under the Air Canada Express brand, would increase the airline's capacity and connectivity in eastern Canada. Passengers will benefit from more flight alternatives, more convenience, and more seamless travel experiences. This strategic relationship emphasizes the importance of regional partnerships in the aviation sector, which will eventually result in a better travel ecosystem for everybody.

With Inputs from Market Watch

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New York Area Airports Crossed Pre-Pandemic Traffic in April

Abhishek Nayar

31 May 2023

When it comes to gauging the health of the aviation industry, monitoring airport traffic statistics is critical. It serves as a barometer for evaluating activity levels and gives significant insights into the industry's recovery process. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey recently announced April traffic figures for the region's three major airports, JFK, EWR, and LGA. These figures reflect a noteworthy surge in international travel demand and provide encouraging indicators for the industry's recovery.

A Brief Overview of the Three Airports

Before we get into the intricacies of the traffic data, allow us to become acquainted with the three airports in question. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is located in Queens, New York, and is one of the busiest airports in the United States. It is an important hub for both domestic and international travel. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), in Newark, New Jersey, is another major hub serving the New York metropolitan region. Finally, LaGuardia Airport (LGA), which is situated in Queens, is well-known for its closeness to Manhattan and is a popular alternative for domestic travelers.

Detailed Passenger Numbers for Each Airport

During April, the three main airports, JFK, EWR, and LGA, welcomed an outstanding total of twelve million passengers. This enormous statistic indicates a crucial milestone in the aviation industry's continued recovery, indicating an upward trend following the pandemic-induced depression. The John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Airport, and LaGuardia Airport all exceeded passenger traffic levels by 1%, 6%, and 3%, respectively, compared to the previous month's pre-pandemic April 2019. JFK served 5.2 million passengers, Newark served 4.2 million, and LaGuardia served 2.7 million. The Port Authority's commercial airports likewise broke their previous record high for any first quarter in 2023 during the first quarter of 2023. Between January and March, the three airports handled 32 million people. This figure represented a roughly one million passenger increase over the same period in 2019, the previous pre-pandemic record. Newark and LaGuardia airports, in particular, broke new first-quarter records with 11.1 million and 7.2 million passengers, respectively (their previous marks were 10.4 million and 6.7 million in 2019). The Transportation Security Administration recorded 2.74 million passengers on Friday, May 26. This is a 6.7% increase over pre-pandemic numbers.

Factors Influencing Passenger Volume Increase

A number of factors have contributed to the increase in passenger flow at New York airports:

International Flight Resumption: Due to the relaxation of travel restrictions and the reopening of borders in several countries, airlines have been able to resume a substantial number of international flights. This has given travellers additional alternatives and boosted their desire to fly.

Vaccine Rollout and Travel Restrictions: The effective rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has boosted traveller trust and played a critical role in relaxing pandemic-imposed travel restrictions. Vaccinated people now have more flexibility to travel, resulting in a rise in passenger numbers.

Conclusion

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's April 2023 traffic figures exhibit a positive trend in the aviation industry's comeback. The 8% rise in international travelers at JFK, EWR, and LGA airports demonstrates increased passenger confidence. With JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia airports breaking their prior April 2019 records, it is clear that air travel is gradually returning to pre-pandemic levels. These figures demonstrate the airports' resiliency and the aviation industry's perseverance. As the travel sector continues to recover and adapt, airports' dedication to passenger safety and comfort remains vital. With the implementation of strengthened safety standards, the reinstatement of aircraft schedules, and continued immunisation efforts, the future of domestic and international travel appears bright.

With Inputs from Cirium

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