Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plans a major expansion under its new management, aiming to more than triple its fleet size over the next eight years.
The new owner of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has pledged for fleet expansion, service revamping, and operational discipline as the national carrier enters a new chapter after privatization.
A Pakistani consortium led by the Arif Habib Group recently acquired a 75 percent stake in PIA, marking one of Pakistan’s most decisive efforts to reform a long-troubled state enterprise.
PIA’s Fleet Expansion and Aircraft Renovation
Arif Habib, CEO of Arif Habib Group, said the new management is going to
- Renovate aircraft cabins
- Upgrade seats
- Install modern entertainment systems
- Overhaul check-in counters to make massive improvementspassenger experience
The airline currently operates 19 aircraft, but this number is set to rise to 64 planes in two phases. In the first phase, PIA will induct 38 narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, each between four to seven years old. In the second phase, the fleet will be further expanded to reach the 64-aircraft target.
Habib said limited aircraft availability had prevented PIA from fully serving high-demand routes despite strong market potential.
Focus on punctuality, maintenance and global routes
Moreover, PIA service revamp prioritizes punctuality, improved maintenance standards, and tighter flight schedules, which are the key factors in rebuilding passenger trust.
The airline sees UK, US, and Canada routes as particularly profitable. The new owner confirmed plans to increase flight frequency and explore additional direct services from Karachi and Lahore, while discussions with the US Federal Aviation Administration are underway to restore US flights.
The recent lifting of flight bans by the EU and UK has further strengthened PIA’s recovery prospects.
Investment plan targets long-term turnaround
Under the privatization agreement, the consortium plans to invest nearly $400 million to absorb initial losses and fund modernization over the next seven years. Habib acknowledged that PIA may continue to post losses in the short term but expects the airline to deliver reasonable returns in the medium to long term.
Read also: Who is Arif Habib? The market visionary behind PIA’s historic privatization – Articles | Pediastan
He also revealed that the group may acquire the government’s remaining 25 percent stake and bring in a foreign airline as a strategic technical partner to increase competitiveness.
PIA privatization signals shift toward market-driven aviation
The PIA privatization is showing strong alignment with broader economic reforms tied to Pakistan’s IMF program. If executed effectively, the new ownership’s strategy could restore PIA’s standing as a competitive regional carrier and turn years of decline into a long-awaited recovery.