KARACHI: The Pakistan International Airlines has acquired approval of the Air Navigation Order (ANO) 145 and 147, becoming the first airline in South Asia to achieve the two high aviation standards.

In a statement issued here on Friday, PIA said a programme was initiated by Saarc countries under the South Asian Regional Initiative in 2008 aimed at harmonising aviation regulations in all member states and aligning the same with the European Aviation Safety Agency (Easa) standards.

The teams of Civil Aviation Authority performed extensive audit of PIA’s engineering and maintenance facilities and PIA’s training centre before issuing ANOs 145 and 147 certification.

The national flag carrier could now move towards acquiring international approvals like Easa 145 & 147 and maintenance organisation approvals from other countries. It could also earn huge foreign exchange by providing services to other airlines.

CAA Director General retired Air Marshal Mohammad Yousuf gave the ANO certificates to PIA Managing Director Shahnawaz Rehman on Friday. Prime Minister’s

Special Assistant on Aviation Shujaat Azeem also attended the ceremony.

Published in Dawn, August 30th, 2014