Pakistan's private Aero Asia airline suspended

KARACHI May 9 (Reuters) Pakistani private carrier Aero Asia International Airlines has been suspended from flying for failing to meet safety standards, the country's aviation regulator said today.

''The CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) with immediate effect has suspended the operations of Aero Asia due to issues related to the safety of operations and passenger convenience,'' a CAA statement said.

Aero Asia operated on at least three domestic and three international routes.

The CAA said the action was taken after a number of deficiencies in the airline's flight safety standards were revealed.

''These problems were highlighted to the management of Aero Asia time and again, but the situation, instead of improving, went from bad to worse,'' the CAA said.

The airline said it had temporarily suspended operations.

''We are in search of newer aircraft and modern-day technology in order to improve our product,'' Haider Jalal, managing director of the airline, told a news conference in Karachi.

''We have decided to suspend our operations temporarily with effect from May 19 till further notice.'' The CAA said Aero Asia may resume operations if it meets required standards. ''Aero Asia may restart their operations as and when they so desire, provided they satisfy the CAA on safety-related issues.'' In March, the European Union banned all but seven of state-run Pakistan International Airlines' aging fleet of 42 planes based on safety concerns.

REUTER GL PM2005