Adil Najam
Leading on from earlier ATP post and discussion on this crash, this just in from Reuters (7.14PM ISD, 12 July, 2006):
Pakistan said on Wednesday it would not use Fokker planes for passenger flights after one of them crashed, killing all 45 people on board. The Fokker F-27 turboprop, operated by state-run Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), crashed on Monday on the outskirts of the central city of Multan two minutes after takeoff. “Fokkers will not be used for commercial flights. They will be used for cargo and other purposes,” Information Minister Mohammad Ali Durrani told reporters after a cabinet meeting. “The cabinet agreed that a sense of insecurity and fear had developed among the people about travelling in Fokkers after the crash.”
Pakistan has six Fokker planes in its fleet. Monday’s was the third crash of a Fokker Friendship operated by state-run Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) since 1970. PIA is replacing the Fokkers, built in 1964, with ATR 42-500 aircraft from Avions de Transport Regional — a joint venture between France-based European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company and Italy’s Alenia Aeronautica. One of the new planes has been delivered and six more are due by mid-2007, PIA officials said.
This is good news and a wise decision.
Indeed its good to see this type of reaction. Some of this is attributable to the 24 hour news channels covering Pakistan such as ARY & Geo, which routinely have discussions on air about public safety not only on roads, trains & planes, but even at venues such as amusement parks.
The whole PK fleet is in the midst of upgrades, most noticeably on the long haul routes with those brand new 777ER’s. Makes sense that the domestic market should get some of the benefits as well.
Finally.
This is a wise decision, although late, shows willingness of government to accept mistakes and make changes. Glad they did this.
It is a step in the right direction. Infact, the phasing out and replacement of Fokkers should have been completed by year 2000. I wish priorities ,as set, are persued as such.