The Aircraft Owners and Operators Association (AOOA) Pakistan has welcomed PIA’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, calling its arrival an important revival milestone.
However, the association urged Pakistan International Airlines to match fleet modernisation with measurable improvements in passenger service.
The aircraft arrived at Islamabad International Airport from London Heathrow on November 1 as flight PK786. PIA Chief Executive Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat and his team received it at the airport.
In a statement, AOOA Pakistan founder Imran Aslam Khan described the induction as renewed hope for the carrier. He said it offered an opportunity to reconnect with PIA’s pioneering legacy, professional standards and internationally recognised service.
Dreamliner to support long-haul operations
The Dreamliner is the first of two Boeing 787-9 aircraft covered by PIA’s October agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways.
The arrangement follows an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance model, commonly called a wet lease. Norse supplies the aircraft and crew while taking responsibility for maintenance and insurance.
The partnership targets additional capacity on direct routes between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. It aims to meet demand for connectivity across multiple destinations in both countries.
AOOA Pakistan said the aircraft could strengthen important long-haul routes, improve passenger comfort and expand travel options for overseas Pakistanis.
It also highlighted opportunities to increase capacity, strengthen international sales and improve PIA’s competitiveness. The association presented these as potential contributions to commercial recovery, alongside broader operational improvements.
Passenger experience must drive PIA revival
“AOOA Pakistan emphasises that fleet modernisation must go hand in hand with service improvement,” the statement said.
The association identified punctuality, operational reliability, quality inflight services and efficient baggage handling as priorities. It also called for modern digital facilities and professional customer care.
“Its rebranding must reflect genuine improvements in passenger experience rather than merely a change in corporate appearance.”
The statement placed passenger confidence at the centre of PIA’s transformation. It urged the airline to translate investment in modern aircraft into consistent standards throughout the travel experience.
Association welcomes incoming leadership
AOOA Pakistan also congratulated the incoming chief executive and extended its best wishes for the new responsibility.
It said the Dreamliner’s arrival offered a timely opportunity to build momentum, strengthen operations and pursue a commercially sustainable airline.
The association thanked the outgoing chief executive and his team for helping make the aircraft’s induction possible. It urged the next leadership to build on that progress and restore PIA’s reputation.
The statement did not name the incoming executive. PIA’s official management page continued to list Amir Hayat as chief executive when checked.
“The Dreamliner is a promising beginning. The ultimate goal must be to restore PIA’s glory, regain passenger confidence and make it the pride of the nation once again.”
