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Exclusive Interview with Amir Ali of Pakistan International Airlines:
1) What would you say are the current major factors facing ageing fleet operators?
As the Airplane age, corrosion becomes wide spread and fatigue damages increases. Fatigue damages result in very high cost structural program. The reliability of the fleet goes down and it difficult for the airline to meet the operating schedule, maintenance planning becomes inefficient. All this ultimately leads to high maintenance cost and poor reliability.
2.) In your experience what would you say are the major issues facing the airline industry today? IATA Conference recommendations.
A) Addressing security costs
B) Liberalization of routes and rights
C) Carbon emissions and climate change
D) Fuel Cost
3.) Fleet Renewal or Life Extension?
Fleet renewal is always the best option. Life extension, under certain, may be utilized for achieving short term objectives. Life Extension results in high maintenance cost.
4.) Would you consider freighter conversions as a means of life extension?
Passenger to Freighter (P2F) converted aircraft is the only modern solution in the small freighter market segment and therefore only the smaller with wider Fuselage are the best freighter aircraft for the growing express market worldwide.
5.) How do you see the future of the airline industry in a post credit crunch world?
In the past high oil prices have caused a recession, the same may happen again. However, I strongly believe, "Innovative out of the box ideas will secure future of the airline industry".
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