In an important move to support Pakistan’s aviation sector, the Federal Cabinet has approved relaxation of the National Aviation Policy (NAP) 2019, allowing Serene Air to start its international operations and enabling Airblue to continue its foreign flights. The decision was taken in light of the severe financial challenges faced by airlines globally due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Under current policy, Section 4.5(a)(4) requires domestic carriers to operate at least 5% of their capacity – measured on available seat kilometers – on major, social and economic routes. However, both Airblue and Serene Air have struggled to meet this requirement for more than a year, as the pandemic has disrupted the aviation industry around the world.
Airblue, which currently operates flights to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, was at risk of losing its international rating. Meanwhile, Serene Air has sought permission to expand its services to destinations including the UK, China, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Recognizing these restrictions, the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan (CAA) submitted a request to relax the policy, emphasizing the importance of allowing airlines to maintain or expand their international operations to maintain business continuity. Serene Air has committed to meeting NAP 2019 requirements on major, social and economic routes once the impact of the pandemic subsides.
The Federal Cabinet approved the proposal and gave Airblue and Serene Air a designation for international operations with countries where Pakistan has Air Services Agreements (ASAs), including provisions for multi-airline designations. Pakistan has advisory services agreements with 98 countries, which facilitates such arrangements.
This relaxation is in line with NAP 2019 vision to strengthen the country’s aviation industry while adapting to unprecedented challenges. The Cabinet’s decision confirms the government’s commitment to supporting local airlines in dealing with the post-pandemic landscape and promoting growth in the aviation sector.