PIA’s Boeing 777 aircraft freed by Malaysian authorities, returns to Islamabad

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) successfully resolved the issue with its Boeing 777 aircraft, which was held by Malaysian authorities in Kuala Lumpur. According to a spokesperson for PIA, the aircraft was released a few hours later and arrived in Islamabad late Monday night. The spokesperson stated that the matter was resolved through diplomatic channels.

The incident occurred a day earlier when PIA flight PK-894 was halted upon reaching Kuala Lumpur, following court orders that issued a stay on the aircraft. The stay was related to issues concerning a lease requested by a foreign company. The PIA spokesperson clarified that the Boeing 777 aircraft is owned by PIA, and the engine leasing company had obtained the stay by submitting incorrect data to a Malaysian court.

According to The News, the leasing company had falsely claimed $4.5 billion, whereas the actual amount owed by PIA to the leasing company was $1.8 billion, which had already been paid. The spokesperson emphasised that such cases of halting an aircraft and extorting money are unprecedented, particularly considering that both the leasing company and PIA are not local entities in Malaysia.

Following the incident, PIA took legal action by approaching the court in Malaysia through its lawyers. The spokesperson confirmed that the matter is currently under consideration by the court.

It is important to note that PIA had already arranged for the repatriation of the passengers from the affected flight through an alternative aircraft. The airline had previously announced that the aircraft would soon return home to resume its commercial flights.

PIA’s prompt response and successful resolution of the issue reflect its commitment to ensuring the safety and smooth operations of its flights. The airline continues to prioritise the well-being of its passengers while upholding its professional reputation in the international aviation industry.