Summary Punjab cabinet approves handing over operational control and maintenance of its Gulfstream G-500 aircraft to Pakistan Air Force.
LAHORE (Dunya News) - The Punjab government has approved handing over the operational control and maintenance of its Gulfstream G-500 aircraft to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
The provincial government has also approved the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Punjab government and the Pakistan Air Force.
Dunya News has obtained key official documents regarding the Punjab government’s Gulfstream aircraft, which reveal that technical difficulties were encountered during the maintenance and operation of the modern jet.
According to the documents, the limited technical capacity of the Punjab government’s VIP Flight Wing made it difficult to manage the aircraft fully.
The documents state that operating the Gulfstream’s advanced and complex systems requires specialised technical expertise, trained personnel and modern infrastructure. The Pakistan Air Force has the technical expertise and trained staff required to operate and maintain the aircraft.
In view of these requirements, the Punjab government’s VIP Flight Wing held consultations on transferring responsibility for the aircraft’s operational control and maintenance to the Pakistan Air Force.
The official documents state that the Punjab government’s Gulfstream aircraft has been deregistered with the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, while the Pakistan Air Force has also allotted it a tail number.
The services of three serving PAF pilots have been placed at the disposal of the Punjab government on deputation. They are conducting flight operations in coordination with the provincial government’s pilots.
The documents emphasise the need to ensure the aircraft’s safe operation, continuous operational readiness and round-the-clock availability.
The provincial cabinet has approved transferring the aircraft’s operational control and maintenance to the Pakistan Air Force, its deregistration with the Civil Aviation Authority and the allocation of a tail number by the PAF.
The proposed MoU between the Punjab government and the Pakistan Air Force covers aircraft maintenance, technical matters and financial arrangements.
Additional Secretary Welfare, Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD), has also been authorised to sign the MoU on behalf of the Punjab government.
