PIA to lease two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from Norse Atlantic
Pakistan International Airlines is set to operate two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners leased from Norse Atlantic Airways from November 2026 as the Norwegian carrier expands its aircraft-leasing business.
Norse Atlantic Airways will lease two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), with operations scheduled to begin in November 2026, the Norwegian airline said Friday.
The agreement comes as Norse shifts its business strategy toward aircraft leasing to strengthen its finances and reduce its exposure to the volatile low-cost transatlantic travel market.
The deal will also help Norse retain a major aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) contract following IndiGo’s decision in July to end its wet-lease arrangement with the Norwegian carrier, Reuters reported.
Under ACMI agreements, an airline provides aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance to another carrier for an agreed fee. Such arrangements allow airlines to expand operations without having to purchase and independently manage additional aircraft.
Norse has been scaling back its exposure to low-cost transatlantic services amid rising jet fuel costs while pursuing more long-term ACMI contracts with international airlines.
The company said these agreements help shield its business from fluctuations in passenger demand and fuel prices. It added that it was in discussions with other airlines about potential contracts.
Norse currently operates a fleet of 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
The airline is also facing broader financial challenges. In July, it began a formal process to explore a potential sale or merger as part of efforts to restructure its business and improve its financial position.
For PIA, the agreement will bring two Boeing 787-9 aircraft into its operations, with flights using the leased aircraft expected to start in November 2026.
