PIA Board Approves Lease of Five Boeing Aircraft
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has approved plans to add five Boeing aircraft to its fleet as the airline prepares to expand operations on key international routes, particularly in Europe and the United Kingdom.
According to the airline, the PIA board approved a six-month wet lease for two Boeing 777 aircraft from European carrier Norse Atlantic.
The board also approved the acquisition of three additional aircraft through dry-lease arrangements.
PIA management was directed to speed up the procurement of spare parts needed to support the airline’s fleet. The board also reviewed financial, operational and other matters during a meeting at PIA’s head office in Islamabad.
The fleet expansion comes as PIA prepares to increase its flight operations between Pakistan and London.
From October 27, the airline plans to operate seven weekly flights to London, compared with four flights currently. The revised schedule includes five weekly flights from Islamabad and two from Lahore.
PIA said the additional services would improve connectivity between Pakistan and the UK, particularly for overseas Pakistanis.
The airline attributed the increase to higher passenger demand and the return of slots at London Heathrow Airport that had previously been allocated to foreign airlines.
The additional aircraft are expected to provide PIA with greater capacity as it expands its international operations.
