1,500 Pakistani pilots jobless as carriers hire foreigners
The Aircraft Owners and Operators Association told the Aviation Division that a rule change allowing foreign crews for up to three years is sidelining qualified Pakistanis and draining scarce dollars.
AOOA founder Imran Aslam Khan wrote to the Aviation Division secretary opposing growing use of foreign flight crews.
He said more than 150 foreign pilots work for local carriers while about 1,500 Pakistani pilots are without jobs.
Foreign crews are paid tax-free salaries of up to $15,000 a month, draining over $2.25m (Rs623.25m) monthly, he claimed.
A recent rule change extended foreign pilots’ stay from six months (plus one extension) to three years, without industry consultation, he said.
Airlines could rotate foreign crews and keep the arrangement effectively indefinite, limiting openings for local aviators, according to AOOA.