AMRAIZ KHAN
LAHORE Pakistan Airline Pilots Association (PALPA) and the aviation division on Tuesday reached an agreement regarding airline operations in the wake of COVID-19. A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Hassan Nasir Jamy, Secretary Aviation Division with the representatives of PALPA) to discuss the association’s apprehensions pertaining to the safety measures being taken regarding airline operations regarding pandemic. The Secretary assured the Association of full support and readiness to adopt all measures to ensure the safety and well-being of pilots and crew members. According to the agreement, the Pilot-in-command will ensure to their satisfaction the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (S.O.Ps) issued by PCAA. Then a certificate will be countersigned/verified by PCAA Inspector from Directorate of Flight Standards and Directorate of Airworthiness. And then PCAA Inspector will brief the captain of the flight so that the flight will operate upon satisfaction of the captain and the airline will not be held responsible. Moreover, the airlines will ensure that the cabin crew and the relevant ground handling staff are fully briefed/trained and it is to be ensured that full compliance to the PCAA S.O.Ps is ensured at every level. The unwillingness of the pilot will be informed in writing to the Airline for issues related to COVID-19, while The Airline will provide the appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to the cockpit and cabin crew with immediate effect. And the government/ PCAA directions of operations from designated facilities will be followed.
