Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) expects two aircraft to join its fleet in January 2027 as it rebuilds capacity after privatisation. A PIA general manager told lawmakers informally that the airline had arranged both planes. They are seven to eight years old, compared with many aircraft in its previous fleet that had served for more than 20 years.
PIA has already received the first of two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners under a lease with Norse Atlantic Airways. It arrived in Islamabad from London as flight PK786. The lease covers aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance.
The general manager said the second Dreamliner initially had a Dec 15 arrival date. Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Osama Sarwar had previously told the National Assembly to expect it on Nov 15. He said PIA’s independent board controls route decisions.
PIA Plans Direct Karachi-London Flights
Privatisation Secretary Usman Bajwa said PIA plans to launch direct Karachi-London flights in March 2027. Sarwar had earlier cited January for Karachi services to the UK. Bajwa said passengers on existing UK flights had responded favourably to flight timings and food quality.
Read More: London to Islamabad on a Dreamliner: PIA Prepares for Boeing 787 Debut
PPP lawmaker Sehar Kamran asked PIA to arrange an Islamabad airport visit for committee members. “We do not ask for free tickets, but arrange a visit to witness the landing and departure of the Dreamliner,” she said.
Committee chair Dr Farooq Sattar directed PIA to arrange the visit. Islamabad International Airport remains on the active privatisation list under a proposal to hand its management to the private sector.
Grounded Aircraft and Ticket Prices
The general manager said PIA now operates 17 to 18 aircraft, up from 15 at privatisation. Fourteen remain grounded, down from 16. PIA plans to return them to service as international suppliers provide engines and other resources. That would let the airline expand its network and improve connectivity and services. Bajwa said the government had allowed 16 aircraft to sit idle over the past 40 years.
Read More: PIA Dreamliner Arrival Sparks Revival Hopes, Says AOOA
Lawmakers questioned why PIA sometimes charges more than other domestic airlines. “I admit that sometimes prices of PIA tickets are higher by Rs2,000 to Rs3,000, but it all depends on demand and supply,” the general manager said.
He warned that PIA’s future depended on staying competitive. Bajwa said higher refinery margins had pushed up jet fuel prices, adding pressure on fares.
PPP Says Committee Lacked Quorum
The PPP Media Cell said no PML-N member attended and only Sattar and three PPP lawmakers were present. It said the committee lacked quorum and could not conduct scheduled business, although officials and PPP members had arrived.
The party said briefing papers arrived late and earlier recommendations remained pending. It accused government members of deliberately staying away. The PPP said repeated quorum lapses in the National Assembly and absences from committee meetings weakened parliamentary oversight.
