APROPOS the article ‘Fat and flight’ (Jan 30). The PIA management appreciates the writer’s feedback. While we agree with some issues in the article, the assessment on overweight crew is contrary to facts.

All regional and international airlines have policies and regulations that are subject to change in line with industry practices. In comparison with our competitors, PIA has a liberal weight policy that was developed and evaluated before implementation.

PIA believes in customer care and well-being and employees’ safety. Thus considerable allowance in terms of weight is granted to employees. Our policies are neither gender biased nor discriminatory, and the flight services department has 1,300 female and 700 male crew.

Obese crew members are advised to reduce weight at the rate of five pounds in a month which is in accordance with the advice of medical experts. The crew is also advised to consult the airline’s medical experts for guidelines in this respect. PIA always encourages feedback to help improve our performance.

M. M. Tajwar

Gen Manager Public Affairs, PIA

Karachi

Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2019