Pakistan International Airlines’ first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner arrived at Islamabad International Airport from London Heathrow on 1 November, operating as flight PK786. It is the first 787-9 to join a Pakistani airline’s fleet. The aircraft is one of two covered by a wet-lease agreement with Norwegian carrier Norse Atlantic Airways, giving PIA additional long-haul capacity without purchasing the aircraft.
Under the ACMI arrangement, Norse Atlantic provides the aircraft and crew and remains responsible for maintenance and insurance. PIA plans to use the leased Dreamliners to strengthen international services, particularly links between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. The arrival establishes the aircraft’s presence in the country, but the first scheduled services and entry-into-service date have not been confirmed.
PIA chief executive Aamir Hayat welcomed the aircraft at Islamabad. The airline has described its cabin as spacious and equipped with in-flight entertainment. The lease agreement covers two 787-9s; no specific seating capacity for the aircraft has been confirmed consistently.