Aviation authorities don’t have it easy in the modern world. Too often they must bear the indignity and injustice of the public’s perception that they are somehow more dour and straight-laced than other transport authorities and governing bodies. Who among us hasn’t witnessed an international aviation authority become emotionally crumpled by catty criticism about its conservative character, or smote by smarmy smears that it is simply not silly enough?
It was only a matter of time before an aviation authority stood tall and said: enough is enough. We’ll show you that the world of aviation authority-ing doesn’t have to be boring.
Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority is that aviation authority. Its @AirportPakistan account is quite simply the jolliest, LOL-iest aviation authority in the Twittersphere.
And we really like it.
Just look at the difference in tone it takes to dull old Heathrow – @AirportPakistan is caring, compassionate and casual, making Heathrow look positively moody.
Hey @HeathrowAirport, hope everything went smooth? I hope everyone is all right?
— CAA Pakistan (@AirportPakistan) March 28, 2014
@HeathrowAirport That is a great news 🙂
— CAA Pakistan (@AirportPakistan) March 28, 2014
Ah, the smiley face. It’s a perennial favourite of @AirportPakistan, which does its duties with a diligent merriness unheard of elsewhere in the aviation authority world.
Sure, most of its tweets may be announcing the cancellation or delay of flights – which appear to be quite regular occurrences, with flight delay announcements coming hourly or multiple times each hour – but why let that spoil your day?
If someone tweets you a slightly snarky comment, just respond cheerily:
@sajjadhaiderThis is a great idea, will look in to this 🙂
— CAA Pakistan (@AirportPakistan) March 28, 2014
That key insight again, folks – if someone seems dissatisfied with your service, just take it on the chin:
@muhd_hani There are number of flights on time, delayed flights are part of routine 🙂 Fed up? No, this is my job! 🙂
— CAA Pakistan (@AirportPakistan) March 28, 2014
No matter how much flack you get, stay classy, stay nice:
@mehreenrana Hope things get better soon 🙂
— CAA Pakistan (@AirportPakistan) March 27, 2014
@AirportPakistan goes so far as to defend its aviation compadres while trying to make peace with their critics, even when the problem at hand is nothing to do with it. That’s courage, and true kindness:
Hello @norbalm, not speaking on behalf of customs or ANF but I believe they only unpack the suspected bags. #CAA has enabled automated 1/2
— CAA Pakistan (@AirportPakistan) March 27, 2014
@norbalm That is really bad. I hope induction of sniffing dogs by customs will help sometime soon 🙂
— CAA Pakistan (@AirportPakistan) March 27, 2014
That conversation went on and on, but @AirportPakistan never lost patience:
@norbalm You should question them next time they hold you for that 🙂
— CAA Pakistan (@AirportPakistan) March 27, 2014
@norbalm Apart from #CAAevery authority working at the airports is independent in practicing their duties, CAA cannot obligate them 🙂
— CAA Pakistan (@AirportPakistan) March 27, 2014
@norbalm I can definitely give it a shot 🙂 Never denying my duty! 🙂
— CAA Pakistan (@AirportPakistan) March 27, 2014
It’s always polite, too:
@kmsirajk Just doing our part sir, have a nice and a calm stay! 🙂
— CAA Pakistan (@AirportPakistan) March 28, 2014
And you know what? We believe @AirportPakistan deserves high praise for its efforts.
We’re with you, @mirza9 – #FF for @AirportPakistan.
#FF for @AirportPakistan. Hey, they’re trying and doing a good job of it too.
— Shaheryar Mirza (@mirza9) March 28, 2014
NOW READ: David Beckham and Class of ‘92 stars eyeing £2bn takeover of Manchester United
Leave a Comment