Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has approved the immediate induction of two new aircraft on wet lease. The move marks an important fleet expansion after the airline’s privatization.
The PIA Board of Directors approved the addition of both aircraft during its first meeting following the airline’s privatization. According to sources, the aircraft are expected to join the PIA fleet in October.
Initially, PIA will operate both aircraft under six-month wet lease agreements. The arrangement will allow the airline to expand its operational capacity without an immediate aircraft purchase.
PIA Plans to Use Aircraft for European Operations
PIA plans to deploy the two leased aircraft primarily on European flight operations. The move could strengthen the airline’s capacity on its international routes.
Under a wet lease arrangement, the leasing company provides an aircraft along with its pilots and cabin crew. Therefore, PIA will receive both aircraft and the operational personnel required to operate them.
The arrangement will initially remain in place for six months. Meanwhile, the airline will use the additional capacity to support its international operations.
The addition of the aircraft is also expected to increase PIA’s operational capacity and revenue. Consequently, the fleet expansion could support the airline’s efforts to strengthen its international operations after privatization.
Two Aircraft Separate From Boeing Purchase Talks
The two aircraft planned for induction are separate from PIA’s discussions with Boeing over a potential aircraft purchase.
PIA is reportedly considering the purchase of 16 aircraft from Boeing. However, the proposed acquisition remains separate from the two aircraft being added through wet leases.
PIA officials reportedly visited Boeing’s headquarters in the United States last month. During the visit, they discussed the proposed acquisition of 16 aircraft.
Therefore, the latest wet lease decision represents a separate step in PIA’s fleet plans.
Six-Month Wet Lease to Expand Capacity
The two aircraft are expected to enter PIA’s fleet in October. Initially, they will operate under six-month wet lease agreements.
This approach gives the airline additional aircraft capacity while the leasing companies provide the pilots and cabin crew.
PIA intends to focus the aircraft mainly on European flight operations. As a result, the additional capacity could support the airline’s international network.
The decision comes after PIA’s privatization and the first meeting of its Board of Directors following the process. The board approved the immediate induction of the two aircraft as part of the airline’s fleet expansion plans.
For now, the two wet-leased aircraft and the proposed Boeing purchase remain separate developments. However, both moves reflect PIA’s wider focus on expanding its available fleet.
The two aircraft are expected to join the fleet in October. Their initial six-month deployment will provide PIA with additional capacity for its international operations.
