The Punjab government has approved a proposal to transfer the operational control and maintenance of its Gulfstream G500 aircraft to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), with the arrangement aimed at ensuring flight safety, technical support and continuous operational readiness.
According to official documents, the provincial cabinet has approved a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Punjab government and the PAF, outlining responsibilities related to aircraft operations, maintenance, technical requirements and financial arrangements.
The Additional Secretary for Welfare in the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) has been authorised to sign the agreement on behalf of the provincial government.
The documents also confirm that the Gulfstream G500 has already been deregistered with the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).
Under the proposed arrangement, three serving PAF pilots have been placed at the disposal of the Punjab government on deputation. They will conduct flight operations alongside pilots employed by the provincial government.
The decision follows consultations between the Punjab government’s VIP Flight Wing and the PAF regarding the transfer of operational and maintenance responsibilities.
During these discussions, officials emphasised the importance of maintaining high safety standards, ensuring uninterrupted operational readiness and providing round-the-clock availability of the aircraft.
The PAF possesses trained aviation personnel and the technical infrastructure required to maintain and operate the Gulfstream G500, making it capable of providing the specialised support required under the arrangement.
The approved MoU establishes the framework for cooperation between the provincial government and the air force, including the allocation of technical responsibilities and financial obligations associated with the aircraft.
The Punjab cabinet’s approval formally authorises the arrangement, under which the PAF will assume responsibility for the aircraft’s operational control and maintenance while designated military and provincial pilots carry out flight duties.
The documents do not specify the duration of the agreement or disclose the financial terms of the arrangement.