PIA welcomes first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner as London flights resume

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) celebrated the arrival of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in Islamabad on November 1, 2026, coinciding with the resumption of daily London Heathrow flights from Islamabad and Lahore. The aircraft entered the PIA fleet from London on flight PK-786. PIA described the new aircraft as a significant step in the airline's transformation, promising better passenger comfort through modern facilities like an in-flight entertainment system and a spacious cabin.

The Boeing 787-9, leased from Norway-based Norse Atlantic Airways, can carry between 250 and 325 passengers and has a range of up to 15,370km. The ACMI agreement aims to boost PIA's long-haul capacity and expand its UK route network. The aircraft's induction was welcomed by Pakistan's Aircraft Owners and Operators Association (AOOA) as a crucial milestone for PIA's revival, though improvements in service standards are also emphasized.

PIA currently serves over 25 international destinations, including London, Dubai, Beijing, and Riyadh, and resumed direct flights to London in March after a six-year hiatus, initially with three weekly services from Islamabad and one from Lahore. The latest addition to the fleet supports the airline's broader fleet modernization efforts, alongside enhancements in passenger services to revive PIA's standing.