French ambassador in Pakistan discusses Airbus cooperation with PIA Chief Executive
Airbus is
expected to remain an important aircraft supplier to Pakistan
International Airlines (PIA) as the national carrier continues
to strengthen its aviation ties with France, according to an update highlighting ongoing cooperation between PIA, Airbus and
French aviation authorities.
The development
was highlighted following a meeting between PIA Chief Executive
Officer Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Amir Hayat and the
French Ambassador to Pakistan, Jean-Noël Poirier. The engagement
underscored France's stated commitment to supporting
Pakistan's aviation sector and PIA over the longer
term.
PIA's fleet has a
substantial Airbus component. The airline's current published
fleet information lists Airbus A320s alongside Boeing 777s and
ATR turboprops. Its fleet page identifies the A320 as
the principal Airbus type in its current operation,
particularly on domestic and regional routes.
The latest
announcement said around 70
percent of PIA's fleet consists of Airbus aircraft and
indicated that additional Airbus aircraft could be delivered to
the airline in the future. However, no specific aircraft order,
quantity, delivery schedule or commercial agreement was identified in
the announcement.
France-Pakistan
aviation cooperation
The potential
for continued Airbus involvement comes amid broader efforts to
strengthen Pakistan's aviation sector following the
restoration of PIA's access to European markets.
PIA was barred from
operating in the European Union in 2020 following the Karachi
aircraft crash and subsequent concerns surrounding
Pakistan's pilot licensing and aviation oversight. The European
Union Aviation Safety Agency lifted its suspension of PIA in
November 2024 after Pakistan addressed the concerns raised by
the agency.
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PIA subsequently
resumed direct European services, with Paris becoming an important
destination for the airline. The carrier's return to European
markets was followed by the resumption and expansion of
services to other international destinations.
The airline is also
expanding its international operations. In September 2026, PIA announced
plans to increase its London services from four to
seven weekly flights from October 27, citing increased passenger
demand.
French
aviation expertise
The cooperation
between Pakistan and France extends beyond
aircraft manufacturing. French aviation authorities have
been involved in technical and regulatory cooperation, including
support for aviation safety and operational best practices.
The French government describes
Pakistan as an important partner and lists aviation among areas
of broader bilateral engagement. France's current ambassador to
Pakistan is Nicolas Galey, who
has held the position since December 2021.
The reference
to French civil aviation expertise is particularly relevant as
PIA seeks to maintain compliance with international safety
requirements following its return to European operations.
Fleet
modernization remains a priority
PIA's future
fleet requirements are also being considered in the context
of the airline's privatization and modernization plans. The
government completed the sale of a 75 percent stake in
PIA in December 2025, with a consortium led by Arif Habib
Corporation acquiring the stake.
Fleet renewal
has subsequently emerged as an important part of the
airline's future strategy. In September 2026, Pakistan's finance
minister held discussions with Boeing regarding potential
new aircraft for PIA, including financing arrangements, earlier delivery
slots and interim leasing options.
This indicates
that PIA's future fleet strategy is not limited to a single
manufacturer. While Airbus already has a significant presence in
the airline's fleet, the carrier is also considering Boeing aircraft
as part of its broader modernization programme.
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Airbus itself
reported 475 commercial
aircraft deliveries to 83 customers during the first eight
months of 2026, highlighting the manufacturer's continuing global
production and delivery programme.
Against this backdrop,
continued cooperation between PIA, Airbus and French aviation authorities
could play a role in the carrier's fleet, operational and
safety development. Details of any future Airbus acquisitions,
however, would depend on PIA's fleet requirements, commercial
negotiations and financing arrangements.
Source: Embassy of France