PIA Dreamliner: First Boeing 787-9 arrives in Islamabad from London

Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner arrived in Islamabad from London on Sunday, marking a new step in the national carrier’s efforts to modernise its fleet and expand international operations.

The aircraft landed at Islamabad International Airport on flight PK-786 from London Heathrow. PIA leased the wide-body aircraft from Norwegian airline Norse Atlantic Airways under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) agreement, commonly known as a wet lease.

Under the arrangement, Norse Atlantic will provide the aircraft and crew and remain responsible for its maintenance and insurance.

PIA Chief Executive Officer Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat and his team welcomed the aircraft at the airport.

The Aircraft Owners and Operators Association (AOOA) Pakistan described the Dreamliner’s arrival as an important milestone for PIA and a significant step towards the airline’s revival.

In a statement, the organisation said the aircraft would strengthen PIA’s international operations and improve air connectivity between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. It also said overseas Pakistanis could benefit from improved travel facilities.

However, AOOA stressed that acquiring modern aircraft alone would not be enough to restore the airline’s position. It said improvements in service standards were equally important.

The association called for punctual flights, better passenger facilities, a modern booking system and improved customer service. It said PIA needed to rebuild passengers’ confidence alongside its rebranding efforts.

AOOA also congratulated the new chief executive on the aircraft’s arrival and acknowledged the efforts of the outgoing CEO and his team. It expressed hope that the new leadership would continue the airline’s revival programme.

The organisation further highlighted staff training, financial discipline and the selection of profitable routes as important factors for PIA’s long-term growth.

“The arrival of the Dreamliner marks a new beginning; the real goal is to restore PIA to its former glory,” the association said.

In June, the Arif Habib Consortium formally took over PIA’s management through PIA Equity Ltd after the completion of the privatisation process. The transaction involved a total investment commitment of Rs180 billion, including Rs125 billion in fresh capital for the airline and Rs55 billion payable to the government.

The new management identified fleet renewal, route expansion and service improvements as key priorities.

Earlier in October, PIA signed an agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways for two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners under an ACMI arrangement. The deal aims to increase the airline’s long-haul capacity and support expansion on UK routes.

PIA resumed direct flights to London in March after a six-year suspension. The airline initially operated three weekly flights from Islama