ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is exploring Airbus aircraft leasing and Rolls-Royce engine arrangements to modernise Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), following Thursday’s discussions with British officials.
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan met with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott in Islamabad to discuss potential aircraft and engine deals.
The Commerce Ministry said both sides examined leasing options to meet PIA’s immediate aircraft requirements. They also considered longer-term fleet modernisation arrangements as the recently privatised airline works to strengthen its international operations.
British officials outlined possible cooperation involving Airbus aircraft and Rolls-Royce engines. However, neither side announced a final agreement, procurement commitment or delivery schedule.
Khan described PIA’s direct international flights as an important commercial asset. He said the airline needed better service standards, dependable operations and an upgraded fleet to restore passenger confidence.
Pakistan’s latest discussions with the United Kingdom follow separate negotiations with American aviation suppliers and financial institutions in September.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met US Export-Import Bank Chairman John Jovanovich in New York on September 24 to discuss aircraft and engine financing.
During those talks, Aurangzeb expressed PIA’s interest in Boeing aircraft, particularly the 787 Dreamliner. He also sought financing support that could cover advance payments before aircraft delivery.
The government later clarified that it was not purchasing aircraft for the privatised airline. It also did not announce any sovereign guarantees or taxpayer-funded loans for aircraft acquisition.
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Officials said Islamabad’s role was to facilitate international financing and access to suppliers, while the airline and its investors would bear commercial risks.
PIA entered private-sector ownership after an Arif Habib-led consortium secured a 75% stake for Rs135 billion in December 2025.
The government transferred management control to the consortium in June 2026 after completing the required transaction arrangements. Fleet renewal remains among PIA’s operational priorities as it seeks to expand international services and improve flight reliability.
The aviation proposals formed part of wider Pakistan-UK trade discussions covering healthcare, information technology, agriculture, financial services and minerals.
Khan also encouraged British investment in Pakistan’s livestock industry, particularly in meat production and exports.
Both countries examined opportunities to strengthen international branding and market access for Pakistani textiles, surgical instruments, food products, pink salt and olive oil.
With additional input from Arab News
