If it works, fix it.....

PIA to send back profitable 'wet lease' aircraft


LAHORE: Despite its 'successful and profitable' experience of acquiring four aircraft on 'wet lease', the PIA management has decided not to retain them after April, under pressure from within the company.

Now it will acquire another five on 'dry lease' once the wet lease expires.

Under wet lease agreements, pilots, cabin crew, maintenance and insurance are also provided by the airline with which the PIA enters into such an agreement. Dry lease means the leaser provides only the aircraft.

The PIA had acquired last month four aircraft on wet lease -- two each from Turkish and Czech Republic airlines. All the four planes operating on international, Gulf, India, Bangladesh and domestic routes are earning profits unlike other PIA operations. Besides, there are no complaints of delays, a routine with other PIA flights.