PIA cleared to operate Boeing 787 jets in Pakistan
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has received the necessary clearance to operate its Boeing 787 aircraft within Pakistan, marking a significant development for the national carrier. This approval comes after a detailed inspection of the airline’s first Boeing 787 plane was successfully completed.
Inspection and Approval Process
A delegation led by the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Nader Shafi Dar, conducted the inspection at Oslo Airport. Following this assessment, the CAA granted permission for the aircraft’s operation domestically. Inspections for PIA’s second Boeing 787 are scheduled for Oslo Airport, while the third aircraft will be reviewed at London Airport on November 20.
Impact on PIA’s International Services
The incorporation of three Boeing 787 planes is expected to bolster PIA’s international flight network, offering enhanced comfort and service quality to travellers. PIA plans to commence its inaugural Boeing 787 flight on October 31, with flight PK-786 departing London for Islamabad and arriving the following day. This modern aircraft has a seating capacity of 358 passengers. Alongside this operational milestone, the airline will also debut new staff uniforms coinciding with the launch.
Regional Flight Disruptions Amid Security Concerns
In a related update, PIA’s operations to Riyadh have been suspended completely amid regional security issues. Fly Jinnah cancelled its Lahore-Karachi-Riyadh route, and Flynas halted flights to Madinah and Riyadh due to technical difficulties. However, flights to Madinah and Jeddah from major Pakistani cities continue regularly. The Pakistan Airports Authority has set up special facilitation counters at key airports to assist affected passengers, following a deadly attack on Riyadh’s international airport that killed at least 12 people and injured over 300.
This milestone is crucial for Pakistan’s aviation industry because deploying Boeing 787 aircraft enhances the national airline’s competitiveness and passenger experience internationally. For Pakistani travellers, the upgraded fleet means improved flight options and comfort on long-haul routes, supporting connectivity and economic ties abroad.
“The clearance to operate Boeing 787s marks PIA’s stride toward modernization and expanding its global presence,” said an aviation source involved in the inspection process.
