PIA Boeing 787 Dreamliner Lands in Islamabad: Lease, Routes and What Changes
PIA flew its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner into Islamabad on 1 November 2026 under a wet-lease deal with Norse Atlantic Airways for UK routes.
The first PIA Boeing 787 Dreamliner landed at Islamabad International Airport on 1 November 2026, operating flight PK-786 from London. The aircraft is not owned by PIA: it is one of two Boeing 787-9s leased from Norway’s Norse Atlantic Airways, with crew, maintenance and insurance included, for flights between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
It is the first Dreamliner operated on a Pakistani airline’s schedule, and the first visible fleet addition since PIA’s privatisation.
PIA Boeing 787 Dreamliner: key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Aircraft | Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner |
| Number leased | Two |
| Lessor | Norse Atlantic Airways (Norway) |
| Lease type | ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, insurance), also called a wet lease |
| Deal announced | October 2026 |
| First flight | PK-786, London to Islamabad, arrived 1 November 2026 |
| Planned use | Long-haul Pakistan–UK routes |
| Approval | Operational approval after a Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority inspection in Oslo |
What is the Norse Atlantic wet-lease deal?
PIA and Norse Atlantic signed the agreement in October 2026. Under an ACMI lease, Norse supplies the aircraft and the flight crew and stays responsible for maintenance and insurance, while PIA sells the tickets and runs the flights under its own flight numbers. PIA CEO Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat said the deal responds to strong demand for direct travel between Pakistan and the UK, according to Geo News.
Before the first flight, a Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority team led by Director General Nader Shafiq Dar inspected the first aircraft at Oslo Airport, after which it received operational approval for Pakistan, Minute Mirror reported. The same report said the initial lease term is six months; PIA has not published the full contract terms.
Why PIA chose a lease instead of buying
- Speed: a wet lease lets an airline add a wide-body aircraft within weeks, while new Boeing deliveries take years.
- Lower upfront cost: PIA does not have to finance the purchase of the aircraft.
- Flexibility: a short initial term allows PIA to test demand on UK routes before a long-term commitment.
The trade-off is that leased capacity is usually more expensive per flight hour than an owned aircraft, so the deal is a bridge rather than a permanent fleet solution.
What it means for passengers
For overseas Pakistanis travelling between the UK and Pakistan, the main change is a newer aircraft on some flights, with a modern cabin and in-flight entertainment. The 787 family is also known for larger windows and higher cabin humidity, which can make long flights more comfortable.
Passengers should note that the aircraft, and possibly the cabin crew, belong to Norse Atlantic, so the onboard product may differ from PIA’s Boeing 777s. Check your booking for the aircraft type, and confirm baggage allowance and meal details with PIA before travel.
What comes next
The second leased 787-9 is expected to join soon after its own inspection. Fleet renewal and new routes have been named as priorities since the Arif Habib-led consortium took over PIA’s management. Aviation groups have welcomed the arrival but argue that punctuality and customer service will decide whether passengers return to the national airline.
For related business news, read about the national private equity framework, the latest SBP foreign exchange reserves and the rupee-dollar rate. Travellers to the Gulf can also see the Qatar visa on arrival for Pakistanis.
Frequently asked questions
Does PIA own the Boeing 787 Dreamliner?
No. PIA has leased two Boeing 787-9s from Norse Atlantic Airways on a wet lease that includes crew, maintenance and insurance.
Which routes will the PIA Dreamliner fly?
The aircraft are meant for long-haul flights between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. The first flight was PK-786 from London to Islamabad.
When did the first PIA Dreamliner arrive?
It arrived at Islamabad International Airport on 1 November 2026.
Sources: Geo News (10 October 2026); APP (October 2026); Minute Mirror (26 October 2026). Arrival reported on 1 November 2026.
