ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has decided to expand and modernise its fleet by adding Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to its flight operations, according to PIA officials.
The national flag carrier is expected to purchase Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft from the United States beginning next month. The move is being viewed as part of the airline’s broader strategy to strengthen its fleet, improve operational capacity and enhance its international flight operations.
In this regard, the PIA has formulated a long-term plan under which the airline aims to acquire around 64 Boeing 787 aircraft over a period of eight years.
The proposed acquisition programme would represent a major expansion of the airline’s fleet and could significantly increase its capacity to operate long-haul international routes.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a wide-body aircraft designed primarily for long-distance flights. Its introduction into PIA’s fleet could provide the airline with additional capacity for international destinations while supporting efforts to modernise its ageing aircraft fleet.
In this sense, the officials said the aircraft would be purchased from the United States.
The reported estimated cost of a single Boeing 787 ranges from approximately $248 million to $355 million, depending on the aircraft variant, configuration and other specifications.
The proposed purchases would require substantial financial investment and are expected to be carried out over several years rather than through a single transaction.
The long-term acquisition plan is therefore likely to be linked to PIA’s wider financial and operational restructuring.
The move comes as PIA seeks to improve its position in the international aviation market and strengthen its ability to compete on major overseas routes. The airline has historically operated flights to destinations across the Middle East, Europe and other international markets.
The planned introduction of Boeing 787 aircraft could also provide passengers with access to newer-generation aircraft and potentially improve the overall travel experience.
However, the final number of aircraft to be purchased, delivery schedule and financial arrangements would depend on formal agreements and approvals.
The development marks a potentially significant step in PIA’s fleet modernisation programme. If implemented as planned, the acquisition of Boeing 787 Dreamliners could reshape the national airline’s long-haul operations and increase its capacity over the coming years.
