ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has approved leasing five Boeing aircraft to support its international operations.
The decision was taken during a board meeting at the airline’s head office in Islamabad. The move is aimed at increasing aircraft capacity for key international routes.
The PIA board approved two Boeing 777 aircraft under a six-month wet lease. The aircraft will be leased from European airline Norse Atlantic.
A wet lease generally includes the aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance. This arrangement can help airlines increase capacity quickly.
The board also approved three additional Boeing aircraft through dry lease arrangements. Under a dry lease, the airline receives the aircraft without the operating crew.
The additional aircraft are expected to support PIA’s operational requirements. They will also help the airline manage increased demand on international routes.
During the meeting, the board also instructed PIA management to speed up the procurement of spare parts. The availability of spare parts is important for maintaining aircraft and supporting regular operations.
Financial and operational matters were also reviewed during the meeting. Other issues related to the airline’s operations were discussed as well.
The aircraft leasing decision comes as PIA prepares to expand its London operations. The airline recently announced an increase in flights between Pakistan and London.
From October 27, PIA will increase its weekly London flights to seven. The airline currently operates four weekly flights to the British capital.
Under the new schedule, five weekly flights will operate from Islamabad to London. Two additional weekly flights will operate from Lahore to London.
The expanded schedule will provide more travel options for passengers. It is also expected to improve connectivity between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
PIA said the increase is linked to growing passenger demand on the route. The airline also pointed to the return of slots at London Heathrow Airport.
These slots were previously allocated to foreign airlines. Their return will provide additional opportunities for PIA to increase its London operations.
The airline expects the additional aircraft and flights to strengthen its international network. The move will particularly support routes serving overseas Pakistanis.The leasing arrangements are therefore part of broader efforts to increase available aircraft capacity. PIA’s expanded London schedule is expected to begin from October 27.
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The airline’s latest decision comes as it focuses on improving its international operations. It also reflects efforts to meet rising demand on important overseas routes.
