Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to expand its fleet with the addition of two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, marking a potential step towards modernising its operations and enhancing its long-haul flight capabilities.
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PIA has signed a partnership agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways to introduce two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners into its operations, marking a significant step towards expanding its international reach and strengthening its long-haul flight capabilities.
According to the announcement issued on October 9, 2026, the aircraft are expected to join PIA in November 2026 and will be used to operate long-haul flights between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
The agreement is aimed at increasing the airline’s capacity on important international routes and providing passengers with more direct travel options between the two countries.
PIA Plans to Expand UK Flights
The addition of the two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners is expected to support PIA’s plans to expand its international network and respond to growing demand for travel between Pakistan and the UK.
The aircraft will facilitate flights connecting different destinations in Pakistan and the United Kingdom, potentially offering greater choice and connectivity for passengers, including the large Pakistani community living in Britain.
PIA described the agreement as an important step in strengthening its international operations and improving its ability to serve key overseas markets.
Norse Atlantic to Provide Aircraft and Crew
Under the partnership, Norse Atlantic will provide the aircraft along with crew, maintenance and insurance under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) arrangement.
This model allows PIA to increase its long-haul capacity without independently managing every aspect of aircraft deployment.
For Norse Atlantic, the agreement provides an opportunity to redeploy aircraft returning from other operations into new commercial arrangements.
The partnership is also expected to support both airlines’ operational and commercial objectives while improving connectivity between Pakistan and the UK.
PIA CEO Highlights UK Market
Speaking at the signing ceremony, PIA Chief Executive Officer Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat said the United Kingdom remained an important market for the airline.
He said the agreement would help PIA expand capacity on key routes and provide passengers with more travel options.
Hayat added that the partnership with Norse Atlantic would strengthen PIA’s international network and help the airline respond to demand for direct travel between Pakistan and the UK.
He also expressed hope that the Dreamliners would deliver an improved travel experience for passengers expecting enhanced services on long-haul routes.
Norse Atlantic Welcomes Partnership
Eivind Roald, CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways, said the company had been working to redeploy aircraft capacity into new ACMI opportunities.
He said the agreement with PIA represented progress in that strategy and would support the Pakistani airline’s long-haul expansion.
Roald also highlighted the importance of improving travel options for the Pakistani community in the UK, adding that the partnership could mark the beginning of a broader strategic relationship between the two airlines.
What the Agreement Means for Passengers
The planned introduction of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners is expected to increase PIA’s capacity on Pakistan–UK routes from November 2026, subject to operational arrangements and scheduling.
For passengers, the additional aircraft could mean more available seats and greater travel flexibility. However, specific routes, flight frequencies and schedules have not been detailed in the announcement.
The agreement marks a new development in PIA’s efforts to expand international operations and strengthen its presence in a key overseas market.
Earlier this week, PIA announced new cabin crew job opportunities at its Karachi base, inviting eligible candidates to apply for the positions.
According to the recruitment notice, applicants must meet specific age, education, language, height and medical requirements to be considered for the cabin crew positions.
