RAWALPINDI: Pakis­tan International Airlines (PIA) has signed an ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) lease agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways to acquire two state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

The acquisition of modern aircraft reflects the new PIA administration’s commitment to providing modern facilities for passengers. Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners are entering the Pakistani aviation industry for the first time.

A PIA spokesman said the addition of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner marks the start of the airline’s expansion. By expanding its fleet, the airline aims to meet rising demand with direct flights and broader global connectivity.

The aircraft are expected to join PIA next month and operate direct long-haul flights from Pakistan to the United Kingdom, he said, adding that they will support PIA operations between different points in the UK and Pakistan.

This dynamic partnership enables PIA to expand its routes with cutting-edge aircraft, expert crews, maintenance, and insurance, while allowing Norse to rapidly redeploy its returning fleet.

PIA Chief Executive Amir Hayat said the UK is an important market for PIA, and that this agreement will enable us to expand much-needed capacity and provide greater choice and connectivity for passengers travelling on these routes.

Norse Atlantic CEO Eivind Roald said, “As previously communicated, we have been working to redeploy capacity into new ACMI opportunities, and we are now executing that strategy.”

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026