Pakistan International Airlines has inducted another Airbus A320 into its fleet. The plane is the third A320 to join PIA this year as part of a deal with AerCap, with the fourth and final A320 expected next week.
PPakistani flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has welcomed the third Airbus A320 to its fleet this year. The Airbus A320-200 (registration: AP-BMV) arrived in Islamabad on September 23rd following a short flight from Sharjah.
The 10-year-old A320 entered service under Middle East Airlines (MEA) in 2012 before being withdrawn from use in March 2020. PIA’s A320s are configured in an all-economy layout with 174 seats.
This is the third jet to arrive from a deal with leasing giant AerCap for four A320s, with the final aircraft (registration: AP-BMY) due in the coming days. The first A320 from AerCap arrived in April, followed by a second in July.
Commenting on the arrival of the A320, PIA CEO Arshad Malik said the new aircraft would replace outgoing planes with expired leases and offer an improved travel experience for passengers.
Earlier this month, PIA revealed its plans to add another five widebody aircraft to its fleet. The airline hopes to conclude a dry leasing agreement for five planes with a capacity of between 250 and 320 passengers.
The Pakistani carrier is still undergoing the recertification process in Europe, which would offer a big boost to revenues should it prove successful. Upcoming audits by the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will determine whether PIA can return to European skies.