The first flight of a modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, leased by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from Norse Atlantic Airways, has departed from London Heathrow Airport for Pakistan. Preparations have been completed to give the aircraft a warm welcome upon its arrival in Islamabad at 5:00 am on Sunday.
The flight, operating as PK-786, will receive a traditional water cannon salute at the Islamabad International Airport. The aircraft is approximately 8 years old, having operated its first commercial flight in May 2018.
It has a seating capacity of 358 passengers. The aircraft has been leased to PIA under a wet lease agreement, meaning that its crew will be provided by Norse Atlantic Airways.
Norse Atlantic will also be responsible for its maintenance and insurance. The state-of-the-art aircraft is considered highly efficient in terms of fuel consumption and is particularly suitable for long-haul flights.
Its addition is expected to help PIA expand its operations on routes between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, particularly from Islamabad and Lahore. As part of this expansion, PIA is increasing its weekly flights to London from 4 to 7.
This marks the first time in Pakistan's aviation history that PIA has incorporated a Boeing 787 Dreamliner into its commercial flight operations. Aviation experts believe this move is a strategic step toward modernizing the national flag carrier's fleet.
By utilizing the wet lease model, PIA aims to bypass the immediate technical training requirements for its own staff while ensuring high-quality service standards on international routes. The arrival of the Dreamliner is also expected to boost passenger confidence, as the aircraft offers superior cabin comfort and advanced entertainment systems.
Travelers on the London-Islamabad route will be the first to experience these enhanced amenities. The management of PIA has expressed optimism that the inclusion of this aircraft will lead to improved operational efficiency.
The airline is currently focusing on regaining its market share in the competitive UK-Pakistan aviation sector. Government officials have welcomed the development, noting that it aligns with the broader vision of improving national infrastructure and connectivity.
The aviation ministry is closely monitoring the integration process to ensure seamless operations. As the aircraft touches down on Sunday, it will symbolize a new chapter for the airline.
The management remains committed to further fleet expansion in the coming months to meet the growing demand for international travel.