PIA’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner arrives in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner arrived in Pakistan on Sunday, marking the national carrier’s first induction of the wide-body aircraft as part of its efforts to modernise its fleet and expand international operations.

The aircraft, obtained on lease from Norwegian airline Norse Atlantic Airways, arrived at Islamabad International Airport from London on PIA flight PK-786, according to the airline’s spokesperson.

PIA Chief Executive Officer Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat received the aircraft at the airport.

The spokesperson said the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was equipped with modern technology, an in-flight entertainment system and a spacious, comfortable cabin.

Earlier, Finance Ministry adviser Khurram Shahzad had said no government loan or sovereign guarantee has been announced for financing new aircraft for privatised Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

In a post on X, finance ministry advisor said the government was neither buying aircraft for PIA nor providing any announced sovereign guarantee or taxpayer-funded loan for the purpose.

The aircraft’s addition to the fleet is part of PIA’s strategy to modernise its operations and provide improved travel facilities to passengers, the spokesperson said.

PIA signed an agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways in October to acquire two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) arrangement, commonly known as a wet lease.

Under the agreement, Norse Atlantic will provide the aircraft along with its crew, maintenance and insurance, allowing PIA to increase its long-haul capacity without independently arranging all the operational requirements.

The agreement was aimed at meeting growing demand for travel between Pakistan and the United Kingdom and expanding PIA’s international operations.

According to the airline’s earlier announcement, the leased aircraft would support flights between London Heathrow and Manchester and the Pakistani cities of Islamabad and Lahore.

#PIA and @flynorse sign a partnership agreement for the lease of @BoeingAirplanes 787-900 Dreamliners, the first of their kind in Pakistan, to supplement PIA's #UK operations.

The addition of Boeing 787 Dreamliners mark the begining of PIA's expansion and new management's… pic.twitter.com/NJC4YAXyzd

— PIA (@Official_PIA) October 9, 2026

PIA Chief Executive Amir Hayat had said the partnership would help the airline increase capacity on UK routes and offer passengers more travel options and connectivity.

Norse Atlantic Chief Executive Eivind Roald had also described the agreement as part of the company’s strategy to deploy its aircraft through ACMI partnerships with other airlines.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is a long-haul, twin-engine wide-body aircraft designed with an emphasis on fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The aircraft joining PIA’s operations has a seating capacity of 358 passengers, according to media reports.

The agreement with Norse Atlantic marks a new phase in PIA’s efforts to expand its international network and strengthen its capacity on long-haul routes.

Earlier, Pakistan International Airlines had selected fashion designer Hassan Sheheryar Yasin, popularly known as HSY, to design its new cabin crew uniforms, with the new outfits set to enter service on October 31, the national flag carrier announced on Thursday.

According to the PIA, the uniforms will make their operational debut on the inaugural London-to-Islamabad flight of PIA’s newly acquired Boeing 787 Dreamliner.