Punjab Hands Over Gulfstream G500 Operations to Pakistan Air Force

LAHORE: (Special Reporter0 – The Punjab government has approved handing over the operational control and maintenance of its official Gulfstream G500 aircraft to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) following technical challenges in managing the sophisticated aircraft.

According to official documents, the provincial government’s VIP Flight Wing faced difficulties operating and maintaining the advanced jet due to a lack of specialised technical expertise and trained personnel.

The Gulfstream G500 is equipped with complex systems that require specialised skills and technical facilities for its safe operation and regular maintenance. The documents state that the VIP Flight Wing did not have the required capacity to independently manage these responsibilities.

As part of the proposed arrangements, the Punjab government’s aircraft has been de-registered from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), while the Pakistan Air Force has assigned it a new tail number.

The PAF has also deputed three serving pilots to the Punjab government to operate the aircraft. They are currently conducting flights of the Gulfstream G500 in coordination with the provincial government’s own pilots.

According to the documents, the Pakistan Air Force has the necessary technical infrastructure, trained personnel and specialised expertise to ensure the aircraft’s proper maintenance and operational readiness.

In view of these requirements, the Punjab government’s VIP Flight Wing proposed transferring responsibility for the aircraft’s operational management and maintenance to the PAF.

The proposal highlights the need to ensure safe flight operations, maintain the aircraft’s continuous readiness and guarantee its availability whenever required.

The Punjab Cabinet has approved the transfer of operational control and maintenance responsibilities to the Pakistan Air Force, along with the associated arrangements, including de-registration from the Civil Aviation Authority and the allocation of a new tail number by the PAF.

The provincial cabinet has also approved a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Punjab government and the Pakistan Air Force. The agreement will cover aircraft maintenance, technical responsibilities and related financial arrangements.

Furthermore, the Punjab government has authorised the Additional Secretary (Welfare) of the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) to sign the MoU on behalf of the provincial government.