KARACHI, Feb 24: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is considering leasing passenger planes and crew due to a looming European Union ban on more than three-quarters of its ageing fleet over safety concerns, PIA officials said.

The state-run airline was warned last year that most of its planes failed to meet international standards, and on Friday an EU source revealed that all but seven of PIA’s 42 planes would be barred from landing in the EU.

The EU source in Brussels said the European Commission’s decision was likely to take effect in about nine days.

A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) statement said the airline was unaware of any expected ban, though officials, who requested anonymity, said Pakistan’s embassy in Brussels had informed the airline of the impending ban.

Technical fitness of aircraft, airworthiness and other cabin specific issues were discussed in three days of talks between PIA and EU air safety officials that ended on Friday, PIA said.

“They appreciated PIA’s efforts towards maximisation of its aircraft, excellent maintenance standards and airworthiness,” the statement said. “Necessary refurbishment of PIA’s old aircraft is in the pipeline as per European Union standards,” it added.—Reuters