PIA grounds four ATR aircraft, multiple flights to be rescheduled 

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) grounded four ATR 42 turbo-prop aircraft on Thursday, as a result multiple flights are likely to be affected.

A statement issued by PIA spokesman Danyal Gilani confirmed that the aircraft have been temporarily grounded to ensure compliance with the latest engine overhaul protocols.

During this period PIA's flights to Gilgit, Skardu, Chitral, Sukkur, Moenjodaro, Gwadar, Turbat, Panjgur, Nawabshah and Multan are likely to be affected.

PIA has been overhauling Pratt and Whitney Engines of its ATR fleet in accordance with overhaul protocol Revision-32. However, Pratt and Whitney recently issued new protocols, Revision-33 and Revision-34, and has advised PIA to comply with the new protocols with immediate effect.

In line with PIA's commitment of keeping passenger safety a top priority, the four ATR 42 aircraft will not be available for flight for the next few days. Chairman and CEO PIA have instructed PIA Engineering Department to complete the compliance of engine overhaul protocol revision as soon as possible so the aircraft may return to operation at the earliest. 

The airline's management has directed all relevant department to ensure alternate arrangements are made for passenger convenience by readjusting flight schedules for the period the four aircraft will be grounded.

Expressing regret for the inconvenience, the airline has requested that passengers recheck the status of their flights to these areas from PIA's call center.