PIA signs agreement with Norse Atlantic to lease two Boeing aircraft
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
has signed an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) agreement with Norse
Atlantic Airways to lease two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
aircraft, paving the way for an expansion of its long-haul services between
Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
Under the agreement, operations are expected to begin in early November
2026, providing additional capacity on routes connecting the two countries amid
strong demand for direct air travel.
The ACMI arrangement will see Norse Atlantic supply the aircraft along with
flight crews, maintenance and insurance, allowing PIA to increase its available
capacity without independently deploying its own aircraft and personnel for the
additional services.
The partnership is expected to strengthen PIA’s presence in the UK market,
which serves a large Pakistani diaspora and remains a significant destination
for business, family and leisure travel.
PIA aims to strengthen UK connectivity
PIA Chief Executive Officer Amir Hayat said the United Kingdom remained an
important market for the airline and that the agreement would help address the
growing demand for travel between Pakistan and Britain.
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gives clearance to Norse Atlantic to launch direct UK–Islamabad flights
He said the additional capacity would provide passengers with greater choice
and improved connectivity as the airline continues to expand its international
network.
Hayat also described the introduction of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner as a
significant development for the Pakistani aviation market, expressing hope that
the aircraft would deliver an enhanced travel experience for passengers seeking
premium services.
The wide-body Dreamliner is designed for long-haul operations and offers
airlines an opportunity to serve international routes with modern aircraft
suited to extended journeys.
Norse Atlantic expands its ACMI strategy
For Norse Atlantic Airways, the agreement represents another step in its
strategy of deploying aircraft through flexible leasing arrangements and
partnerships with other airlines.
Chief Executive Officer Eivind Roald said the company was gradually
reallocating capacity towards new ACMI opportunities, in line with its previously
communicated plans.
He welcomed the partnership with PIA, saying it would support the expansion
of long-haul capacity and improve travel options for the large Pakistani
community in the UK.
Roald added that charter and ACMI operations formed an important part of
Norse Atlantic’s business model, helping the airline secure aircraft
utilisation, generate more predictable cash flows and pursue long-term value
creation.
The arrangement also enables Norse Atlantic to redeploy aircraft previously
associated with its ACMI operations for IndiGo, while exploring opportunities
with other international carriers.
Flexible capacity deployment
Norse Atlantic has increasingly focused on an “Airline on Demand” strategy,
making its Boeing 787 fleet available for scheduled services, charter
operations and ACMI contracts, depending on market conditions.
The approach allows the airline to shift capacity between markets, respond
to seasonal demand and pursue new commercial opportunities without relying
exclusively on its own scheduled network.
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granted approval to lease five Boeing aircraft for EU and UK flights
The company is also seeking additional ACMI agreements with international
airlines as it adjusts its transatlantic operations and evaluates opportunities
for the winter 2026–27 season.
Potential for a broader partnership
The agreement could mark the beginning of a longer-term relationship between
the two airlines. Norse Atlantic has indicated that it is in discussions with
other international carriers regarding further ACMI arrangements.
For PIA, the immediate priority will be to deploy the additional aircraft to
support its UK network and accommodate demand on key routes.
The introduction of two Boeing 787-9 aircraft would give the Pakistani
carrier access to additional long-haul capacity while Norse Atlantic provides
the operational resources required under the agreement.
The success of the partnership will depend on operational execution,
passenger demand and the commercial performance of the expanded services.
However, the deal represents a potentially significant development in PIA’s efforts
to strengthen its international connectivity and improve capacity on one of its
key overseas markets.