Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has decided to increase the number of domestic and international flights by acquiring at least eight wide-body aircraft from the international market.

"PIA will immediately require eight aircraft, four each on wet-lease and dry-lease basis," said official sources.

The four aircraft being acquired on wet-lease basis, may have a capacity of 250 plus passengers, including 24 business class seats.

The additions to the fleet will be operational by mid December this year. The lease term will be for three months tenure, which is extendable. The vintage of the aircraft should be 2012 onward.

Similarly, the four aircraft to be acquired on dry-lease will also have a capacity of 250 plus passengers each, with 24 business class seats.

The lease for the aircraft would be six to eight years, with vintage acceptable of 2012 onwards.

Older aircraft meeting the NAP-2015 age criteria, would also be considered if they were offered with facilities such as modern 24 business class flat bed seats, modern economy class seats, latest in-flight entertainment AVOD system and new carpets, besides refurbished cabins, the sources said.

Earlier this year, PIA included three Airbus A-330 planes in its fleet after signing a wet lease agreement with Sri Lankan Airlines.