PIA's first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner arrives in Islamabad from London
Pakistan International Airlines received its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in Islamabad on Sunday. The leased aircraft flew in from London as flight PK786.
- PIA's first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner landed in Islamabad from London on Sunday.
- The aircraft is leased from Norse Atlantic Airways under an ACMI agreement.
- It is the first Boeing 787-9 to join the fleet of any Pakistani airline.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) received its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on Sunday, when the leased aircraft arrived at Islamabad International Airport from London as flight PK786. The airline's spokesperson confirmed the arrival, according to Business Recorder.
The aircraft is the first Boeing 787-9 to join the fleet of any airline in Pakistan. PIA says it is part of its strategy to modernise its fleet and strengthen its international network.
PIA Chief Executive Officer Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat and his team welcomed the aircraft at the airport. Express News reported that the jet has in-flight entertainment and a spacious, comfortable cabin. PIA says it aims to offer passengers international-standard facilities and more comfortable flying through modern aircraft.
The Express Tribune reported that the aircraft was leased from Norse Atlantic Airways under an ACMI (wet lease) agreement. Under this arrangement Norse Atlantic provides the aircraft and crew and remains responsible for maintenance and insurance. The Express Tribune said PIA signed the agreement in October for two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
The Aircraft Owners and Operators Association (AOOA) Pakistan called the induction an important milestone and a step towards PIA's revival. It said the aircraft would strengthen PIA's international operations and improve air connectivity between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. The association said: "The arrival of the Dreamliner marks a new beginning; the real goal is to restore PIA to its former glory."
The AOOA also said modern aircraft alone would not restore PIA's standing and that service improvements are essential. It named punctual flights, quality facilities, a modern booking system and better customer service as priorities. It congratulated the new CEO and praised the outgoing CEO and his team.
The Express Tribune noted that the Arif Habib Consortium formally took over PIA management through PIA Equity Ltd in June after privatisation. The deal involved a total investment commitment of Rs180 billion, including Rs125 billion in fresh capital and Rs55 billion payable to the government. PIA resumed direct flights to London in March after a six-year gap, raising its weekly UK flights to seven.
Why it matters
The aircraft is meant to serve PIA passengers on domestic and international routes, and the AOOA says it should improve connectivity between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
