The leased aircraft is the first of two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners secured through an agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways. Its arrival signals PIA’s plans to strengthen long-haul operations and expand international connectivity following privatisation.
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has received its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, marking a significant development in the national carrier’s fleet modernisation plans. The aircraft, acquired on lease last month, arrived in Islamabad from London on Sunday as flight PK786.
According to a PIA spokesperson, tPIA’s First Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Arrives in Islamabad, Marking New Phase in Fleet Modernisation
he airline has become the first Pakistani carrier to add the Boeing 787-9 to its fleet. PIA Chief Executive Aamir Hayat, accompanied by members of the airline’s management team, welcomed the aircraft upon its arrival at Islamabad International Airport.
The aircraft is equipped with modern technology, including an in-flight entertainment system, and features a spacious cabin designed to improve passenger comfort, the airline said.
The spokesperson described the addition as part of PIA’s strategy to modernise its fleet, strengthen its international network and improve the quality of its passenger services. The airline aims to provide international-standard travel facilities through the introduction of modern aircraft.
A New Aircraft for Long-Haul Operations
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is a long-range, twin-engine aircraft with a seating capacity of up to 325 passengers. Its arrival is expected to support PIA’s direct long-haul operations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
Last month, PIA signed an ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways to acquire two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Sunday’s arrival represents the first aircraft under that agreement.
A PIA spokesperson had previously described the arrangement as the beginning of the airline’s expansion phase, aimed at meeting rising passenger demand through direct flights and broader international connectivity. The aircraft are intended to support operations between destinations in Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
Before the Dreamliner’s addition, PIA’s fleet comprised 12 Boeing 777 aircraft, 15 Airbus A320s and five ATR aircraft.
Fleet Expansion After Privatisation
The development comes against the backdrop of PIA’s restructuring following its privatisation in December 2025. A consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation Limited won the auction for a 75 per cent stake in the airline with a bid of Rs135 billion.
The consortium had pledged to transform the loss-making carrier through operational restructuring, fleet expansion and improvements in customer service.
The government had clarified in September that it was not purchasing aircraft for the former national carrier, following reports concerning proposed sovereign-linked financing for PIA aircraft.
The distinction is important: the newly arrived Dreamliner was acquired through a lease arrangement with Norse Atlantic Airways rather than a government aircraft purchase.
Modernisation Will Depend on More Than Fleet Size
The arrival of a modern long-haul aircraft represents an important step in PIA’s stated expansion strategy. However, the long-term value of fleet expansion will depend on the airline’s ability to integrate new aircraft into a reliable and commercially sustainable operating model.
Aircraft availability, route economics, technical support, maintenance capacity, crew arrangements and passenger demand will all influence whether the new addition translates into stronger financial and operational performance.
For an airline emerging from years of financial and operational difficulties, modernisation must therefore extend beyond acquiring newer aircraft. The central test will be whether the new fleet can support consistent services, improve international connectivity and contribute to the carrier’s long-term commercial viability.
PIA’s first Boeing 787-9 has arrived. Its significance will ultimately be measured not simply by the technology it brings, but by the operational performance and institutional improvements that follow.
Republic Policy | Governance. Institutions. Public Policy.
