Adrian Hamilton-Manns takes charge as new PIA chief executive
Adrian Hamilton-Manns has formally taken charge as chief executive of Pakistan International Airlines. The PIA board announced the appointment, saying he has more than 30 years of aviation experience.
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- Adrian Hamilton-Manns formally assumed charge as PIA CEO on Monday, November 2, 2026.
- He has over 30 years of experience and has led three airlines.
- He succeeds Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat, whom the board and consortium thanked.
Adrian Hamilton-Manns has formally taken charge as chief executive officer of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Business Recorder reported that he assumed the role on Monday, November 2, 2026.
The PIA board announced the appointment in a statement posted on X. According to Business Recorder, the board said he would lead the national carrier through its ongoing transformation and efforts to improve its commercial viability.
The airline says Hamilton-Manns has more than 30 years of experience in commercial aviation. He has previously served as chief executive of three airlines and held leadership positions at several others. ProPakistani reported that these were in Oman, Kazakhstan and Africa.
ProPakistani also reported that he has led Salam Air, a Muscat-based low-cost carrier, since July 2024. He was president and CEO of Kazakhstan's Fly Arystan from April 2020 to July 2024. His earlier career includes senior commercial roles at IndiGo, South African Airways, Virgin Australia's Pacific Blue and Mandala Airlines.
PIA regards him as an expert in restructuring and reviving aviation businesses. The board's statement said: "He brings a wealth of leadership & strategic experience, and his appointment marks a pivotal chapter in PIA's ongoing transformation."
The PIA consortium and board thanked outgoing CEO Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat for his services. The Express Tribune reported that the airline faced operational and regulatory challenges during his tenure. It credited him with improving aviation safety standards, helping secure the lifting of restrictions on PIA flights to Europe and the United Kingdom, and preparing the organisation for privatisation.
The Express Tribune reported that last December the government sold its 75% stake in PIA to a consortium for Rs10.1 billion in cash. The Arif Habib-led group made the highest bid of Rs135 billion in the 13th round of the open auction, beating a consortium led by Muhammad Ali Tabba. ProPakistani said the consortium took over management on June 29, 2026, and described this as one of the first major leadership changes since then.
Why it matters
PIA is the national carrier, so its leadership affects fares, routes and travel for Pakistanis.
