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Pakistan and Boeing Discuss PIA Fleet Acquisition
Pakistan and the United States have held detailed discussions regarding the acquisition of new aircraft for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), with both sides agreeing to explore the best possible deal options .
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, accompanied by a delegation from PIA’s new management, met Boeing Global President Brendan Nelson at the company’s headquarters in Washington on Thursday . The meeting focused on securing the most suitable commercial arrangement for the purchase of 16 new aircraft for the national carrier .
Both sides agreed to work toward finalizing the deal at the earliest opportunity . Naqvi expressed gratitude to Nelson for assuring cooperation in expediting the procurement process and acknowledged Boeing’s key role in the global aviation manufacturing industry .
PIA’s Privatization and Fleet Expansion Plans
The development comes following PIA’s privatization in December 2025, when an Arif Habib Corporation-led consortium acquired a 75 percent stake in the airline for Rs135 billion ($482 million) . The consortium has committed to more than tripling the airline’s fleet to 64 aircraft from the existing 19 in up to eight years .
A total investment commitment of Rs180 billion ($643 million) has been made, with Rs55 billion ($197 million) going to the government and Rs125 billion ($449 million) to be injected into the airline for its transformation .
New CEO Appointment
Meanwhile, former Ethiopian Airlines Group chief executive Tewolde Gebremariam has been selected as PIA’s new CEO . Under his leadership, Ethiopian Airlines grew into Africa’s largest carrier, with annual revenue increasing from approximately $1 billion to $4.5 billion and fleet expansion from 33 to roughly 130 aircraft . His appointment is awaiting completion of security clearances before an official announcement .
