Punjab Cabinet Approves MoU to Transfer Operational Control and Maintenance of the Government’s Gulfstream G-500 Aircraft to the Pakistan Air Force.
LAHORE: The Punjab government has approved handing over the operational control and maintenance of its advanced Gulfstream G-500 aircraft to the Pakistan Air Force, citing the technical expertise and specialised infrastructure required to operate the sophisticated jet.
The provincial cabinet has formally approved the decision, along with the draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Punjab government and the Pakistan Air Force, according to official documents.
The move comes as the Punjab government’s VIP Flight Wing has limited technical capabilities to independently manage the aircraft. The Gulfstream G-500 features advanced and complex systems that require specialised technical expertise, trained personnel and modern infrastructure for safe and efficient operations.
According to the documents, the Pakistan Air Force has the technical capabilities and trained staff needed to maintain and operate the aircraft. The provincial government has therefore decided to transfer responsibility for its operational management and maintenance to the military aviation service.
The documents also reveal that the Punjab government’s Gulfstream aircraft has already been deregistered from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). The Pakistan Air Force has subsequently assigned its own tail number to the aircraft.
In another development, the services of three serving Pakistan Air Force pilots have been placed at the disposal of the Punjab government on deputation. These pilots are carrying out flight operations alongside the provincial government’s own pilots.
The proposed MoU outlines arrangements covering aircraft maintenance, technical matters and financial management. It is intended to establish the framework for cooperation between the provincial government and the Pakistan Air Force in managing the aircraft’s operations and upkeep.
The provincial government has also authorised the Additional Secretary Welfare in the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) to sign the MoU on its behalf.
Official documents emphasise the need to ensure the aircraft’s safe operation, continuous operational readiness and round-the-clock availability. These requirements have been cited as key considerations behind assigning its technical management and maintenance to the Pakistan Air Force.
The arrangement is expected to place the aircraft’s operational and technical responsibilities under the supervision of an organisation with the specialised personnel and infrastructure required to manage an advanced business jet.
The cabinet’s approval of the MoU marks a formal step towards establishing the operational and administrative framework governing the aircraft’s management between the Punjab government and the Pakistan Air Force.
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