PIA’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner arrives in Islamabad - What's new?
PIA welcomes its first Dreamliner
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) received the aircraft from London on Sunday, where it arrived as flight PK786. The airline had acquired the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner under a lease agreement signed last month.
A PIA spokesperson said the airline had become the first carrier in Pakistan to add this model to its fleet. PIA Chief Executive Aamir Hayat and his team welcomed the aircraft at Islamabad airport.
The aircraft offers modern facilities, including in-flight entertainment and a spacious cabin designed to make long journeys more comfortable. PIA said the new plane would help improve the travel experience for its passengers.
A move towards better international services
“The inclusion of the Dreamliner is part of a strategy to modernise PIA’s fleet and strengthen its international network,” the spokesperson said.
“PIA’s objective is to provide international-standard travel facilities and a more comfortable air travel experience to passengers through modern aircraft.”
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is a long-distance, twin-engine aircraft with seating capacity for up to 325 passengers. Before its arrival, PIA’s fleet included 12 Boeing 777 aircraft, 15 Airbus A320 planes and five smaller ATR aircraft.
Two Dreamliners planned under lease agreement
Last month, PIA signed an ACMI lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways to obtain two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The agreement covers the aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance, and Sunday’s arrival marks the delivery of the first plane.
At the time, a PIA spokesperson said the aircraft would begin a new phase of expansion for the airline. The plan is to meet growing passenger demand through direct flights and better connections with international destinations.
The aircraft are expected to operate long-distance flights between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. They will also support PIA’s services between different destinations in both countries.
PIA’s expansion after privatisation
The aircraft’s arrival comes as the government continues to clarify its position on PIA’s fleet expansion. In September, it said it was not purchasing aircraft for the former national carrier after reports emerged about possible government-backed financing for new jets.
PIA was privatised in December last year through an auction. A consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation Limited secured 75 per cent of the airline’s shares with a winning bid of Rs135 billion.
The consortium had promised to improve the loss-making airline through better management, fleet expansion and improved passenger services. The addition of the Dreamliner is one of the developments taking place as PIA works towards these goals.
The arrival of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner could help PIA improve its international services and offer passengers a more comfortable journey. However, buying or leasing modern aircraft alone will not guarantee success.
The airline will also need reliable operations, better customer service and effective management to compete with other international carriers. Passengers will ultimately judge this expansion by the quality, comfort and reliability of the services they receive.
Also read: PIA board okays two Boeing 777s for Europe, UK flights
