KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines on Sunday rejected the media reports stating that it has grounded one of its Boeing 777 aircraft due to technical issues.

In a statement to the media, PIA spokesperson rejected the reports and stated that the plane is stationed at one of its long storage facilities for last 19 months however it has not malfunctioned and is ready to be of service whenever needed.

“Because of regulations in light of the corona, the use of Boeing aircraft was not as frequent. The aircraft will soon be used again as soon as the regulations are lifted,” “Spokesperson Abdullah Khan said. “The use of the Boeing aircraft will increase as soon as the Saudi airspace is open for flight operations. “The aircraft will be operational once we are allowed to go on long routes.”

Read more: PIA to start 35 weekly flights between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia

The spokesperson confirmed that a truck collided with the aircraft during an anti-hijacking exercise, however, the repair works on the aircraft were immediately put into place by the concerned authorities.

Separately, the ongoing pandemic has doubled down the PIA financial crisis. The airline’s CEO Air Marshal Arshad Malik requested the Minister of Aviation and DG Civil Aviation Authority through a letter to not charge any airport charges at this time from PIA.

According to the Air Marshal, the airline is in dire financial straits due to pandemics. Hence, once the pandemic ends, the airline will start to pay the charges to the Civil Aviation Authority. He further said that the CAA’s help will be important in relieving PIA from financial difficulties at these crucial times.