Pakistan International Airlines’ board has approved leasing five Boeing aircraft to support the airline’s operations in Europe and the United Kingdom. The board approved taking two Boeing 777 aircraft on a six-month wet lease from European airline Norse Atlantic. Additionally, it approved acquiring three more aircraft on dry lease.

The board also directed PIA management to expedite the procurement of spare parts for its aircraft. Meanwhile, officials discussed financial, operational and other matters during the meeting held at the airline’s Islamabad head office. Therefore, the session covered more than just the leasing decision itself.

This move comes as PIA prepares to expand its London operations. The airline has announced that it will increase weekly flights between Pakistan and London to seven starting October 27. Currently, PIA operates four weekly flights to the British capital.

Under the expanded schedule, PIA will operate five weekly flights from Islamabad to London. It will also run two weekly flights from Lahore to London. As a result, passengers will have considerably more options for travel between the two countries.

PIA said the additional flights will provide greater connectivity for travellers moving between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. In particular, the airline pointed to overseas Pakistanis as a key group benefiting from the expansion. Furthermore, PIA attributed this growth to rising demand on the route.

The airline also credited the return of slots at London Heathrow Airport, which had previously gone to foreign carriers. Instead of losing ground on this key route, PIA now has room to grow its presence there. Finally, the increased aircraft capacity and expanded London flights are expected to strengthen PIA’s operations across its major international routes.