PIA CEO’s name put on Exit Control List

ISLAMABAD: The government authorities have placed name of chief operating officer of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Bernd Hildenbrand on the Exit Control List (ECL) following initiation of inquiry against him for ‘funds embezzlement’, ARY News reported.

According to sources in the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the carrier’s German CEO Bernd Hildenbrand is currently under investigation for alleged misappropriation of funds in purchase of airplanes, hence his name has been put on the ECL to bar him from foreign travel until completion of probe.

The FIA has also formally initiated against the CEO.

The notification confirming PIA CEO’s name being on the ECL has been issued by deputy director FIA Admin Lahore. Reports said the copy of the notification has been sent to authorities of all airports across the country.

Sources informed that Hildenbrand approved deal to buy jets from Sri Lanka on an amount more than its actual value.

Recently, the PIA CEO made headlines after reports emerged that he had been given massive increment by the PIA management, after approval of the government.

It was reported that Hildenbrand was receiving a salary of a salary more than $10,000 but he was demanding a raise with other fringe benefits. It may be noted that per PIA rules, an acting CEO cannot receive any increment in salaries or any other perks and privileges.

The state carrier’s spokesman later spoke on the news reports and said Hildenbrand was drawing $10,000 a month which is suggested to be increased to $18,000. “Even after the increase, it will be very much lesser than what CEOs of other carriers in Pakistan are getting,” he said.