Pakistan turns to UK for PIA fleet renewal as Airbus, Rolls-Royce options emerge

Business Recorder reported that Pakistan and the United Kingdom held talks on aviation, with Airbus and Rolls-Royce potentially supplying aircraft and engines to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). According to a statement issued on Thursday, British export credit support and aircraft leasing are also under consideration as ways to meet urgent fleet needs. The discussion took place between Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott.

Jam Kamal said PIA's direct international routes give the airline a commercial edge, but he called for better service quality, reliability and fleet upgrades to win back passengers. Last month, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb opened talks with Boeing on PIA's modernisation and possible new aircraft, including options for earlier delivery and temporary leases. He later sought US EXIM Bank financing for planned Boeing 787 Dreamliner purchases and stressed the need for spare parts to return grounded 777s to service.

The British side also outlined a possible long-term, non-binding investment partnership at ministerial level covering regulatory reforms, trade facilitation, skills and financing. Other areas raised included livestock, food safety access to UK markets, Islamic finance and UK services for the minerals sector. Discussions also covered branding for Pakistani products such as pink salt and olive oil.