Pakistan and UK hold discussions for procurement of Airbus aircraft
Pakistan is exploring aircraft leasing and potential procurement options
involving Airbus aircraft and Rolls-Royce
engines to modernise the fleet of Pakistan
International Airlines (PIA), as the carrier seeks to improve operational
reliability and expand its international network.
The proposals were discussed during a meeting between Commerce Minister Jam
Kamal Khan and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott in Islamabad on
Thursday, according to an official government statement.
During the meeting, the British side briefed the minister on potential
aircraft and engine arrangements involving Airbus and Rolls-Royce, including
the possibility of export credit support to facilitate financing.
Aircraft leasing was also discussed as a potential short-term solution to
meet PIA’s immediate capacity requirements while longer-term procurement
options are evaluated.
Fleet renewal a priority for PIA
Khan emphasised the commercial importance of PIA’s direct international
routes, noting that improvements in service quality, operational reliability
and fleet modernisation were essential to rebuilding passenger confidence.
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The discussions come as Pakistan seeks to strengthen the airline’s
operational capabilities and position it for sustainable growth following its
privatisation drive.
Access to additional aircraft and engines could help PIA address capacity
constraints, improve schedule reliability and support the expansion of
international services. However, the discussions do not indicate that a final
procurement or leasing agreement has been concluded.
Boeing financing also under consideration
Pakistan has also been exploring financing options involving US aircraft
manufacturer Boeing.
In September, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met US Export-Import Bank
Chairman John Jovanovich in New York to discuss potential financing for PIA
aircraft and engines, particularly Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
The talks also covered possible financing for aircraft pre-delivery payments
and access to spare parts needed to return grounded Boeing 777 aircraft to
operational service, according to a government statement.
The parallel discussions involving Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Boeing highlight
Pakistan’s efforts to assess different aircraft, engine and financing options
as it plans the airline’s future fleet requirements.
Privatisation and operational challenges
PIA’s fleet renewal plans form part of broader efforts to improve the
airline’s financial and operational performance.
Read More Pakistan’s
national carrier says operations unaffected by Airbus A320 recall
In December 2025, a consortium led by Arif Habib won a bid for a 75 per cent
stake in the national carrier for Rs135 billion, marking a major step in the
government’s efforts to privatise the loss-making airline.
Modernising the fleet remains a key challenge as PIA seeks to improve
aircraft availability, strengthen its international operations and restore
confidence among passengers.
The latest aviation discussions were part of wider Pakistan-UK engagement on
trade and investment cooperation, covering sectors including healthcare,
information technology, agriculture, livestock, financial services and
minerals-related services.
Both sides also explored opportunities for Pakistani businesses to
strengthen their brands and gain greater access to international markets,
including the United Kingdom.
While no final aircraft acquisition or leasing decision has been announced,
the talks indicate that Pakistan is considering multiple international
partnerships and financing mechanisms to support PIA’s long-term fleet
modernisation strategy.