Pakistan seeks Boeing's help to expand PIA's fleet

Dhaka: Pakistan is examining financing routes to modernize the fleet of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), as the government also pushes forward plans to outsource management of the country's major airports, according to the country's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.

The remarks came after Aurangzeb met Boeing Global President Dr. Brendan Nelson in New York to discuss PIA's aircraft acquisition plans.

Boeing confirmed it would send the airline an updated proposal. Both sides also explored the possibility of securing earlier delivery slots and arranging interim leases to bridge the gap until new jets arrive.

Financing support from the US Export-Import Bank emerged as a central topic, along with discussions on engine procurement, spare parts, maintenance, and restoring aircraft that are currently grounded.

Aurangzeb updated Boeing on PIA's ongoing privatization process and the government's broader plan to bring private management to major airports. He also pointed to Pakistan's long-term potential for aviation growth and thanked Boeing for its support on safety capacity building and regulatory matters.

The minister further welcomed Boeing's involvement in efforts to restore direct flights between Pakistan and the United States.

These talks come as PIA works to grow its international footprint. Separately, the airline's board has cleared a six-month wet lease of two Boeing 787s from Norse Atlantic, along with three more aircraft on dry lease, sources said.

Pakistan's aviation strategy now blends fleet renewal, short-term leasing, and private participation in airport operations, with financing remaining central to PIA's expansion goals.