Key Takeaways
- Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has signed an ACMI agreement with Norse Atlantic ASA for two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
- The flights are expected to commence in November 2026, enhancing connectivity between the UK and Pakistan.
- The partnership aims to expand PIA’s long-haul capacity and provide more travel options for the Pakistani community in the UK.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has entered into a significant partnership with Norse Atlantic ASA, a Norwegian airline group, to acquire two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This agreement, announced on Friday, marks a major step in PIA’s fleet modernisation and route expansion.
According to a statement from PIA, the new aircraft will be used to enhance long-haul services between the UK and Pakistan, starting from November 2026. The partnership will see Norse Atlantic providing the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance, while PIA retains operational control.
Eivind Roald, CEO of Norse Atlantic, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, 'We are pleased to support PIA’s long-haul capacity expansion and to strengthen connectivity between the UK and Pakistan by providing the large Pakistani community in the UK with more options for travel between the two countries.'
Amir Hayat, CEO of PIA, added, 'UK is an important market for PIA, and this agreement will allow us to expand the much-needed capacity and provide greater choice and connectivity for passengers travelling on these routes.'
Following its landmark privatisation in December 2025, PIA has been focusing on fleet modernisation and strategic route expansion. The airline currently operates a fleet of 31 aircraft, including Boeing 777s and Airbus 320s, serving a vast network from China to North America.
On Thursday, Pakistan and the United Kingdom discussed potential aviation cooperation, including the possibility of Airbus and Rolls-Royce aircraft and engine arrangements for PIA. The discussions also included UK export credit support and leasing options to address immediate fleet requirements.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met with US EXIM Bank Chair John Jovanovich to seek financing opportunities for PIA’s planned aircraft purchases, specifically Boeing 787 Dreamliners. He highlighted PIA’s interest in Boeing aircraft and the need for spare parts to bring grounded Boeing 777s back into service.
Norse Atlantic Airways operates a modern fleet of 12 fuel-efficient Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, serving a network of destinations across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. This partnership is seen as the first set of Dreamliners being adopted by the Pakistani market, with the aim of providing premium services to PIA’s valued guests.
The agreement is expected to strengthen PIA’s international network and meet the growing demand for direct travel between the UK and Pakistan, particularly for the large Pakistani community in the UK.
We are pleased to support PIA’s long-haul capacity expansion and to strengthen connectivity between the UK and Pakistan by providing the large Pakistani community in the UK with more options for travel between the two countries.
Eivind Roald, CEO of Norse Atlantic
UK is an important market for PIA, and this agreement will allow us to expand the much-needed capacity and provide greater choice and connectivity for passengers travelling on these routes.
Amir Hayat, CEO of PIA
