Oman Air offloading their A330s

[Rudderless234]

Just read a rather interesting article about Oman Air restructuring plans; looking to retire their mix fleet of A330-300s and 200s. The airlines been struggling to utilise these on their supposedly high capacity routes citing lower load factor. Was wondering if getting hold of two or three of their 300s would be a good move for PIA considering they’re likely to resume EU flights and Uk thereafter. The average 330 fleet age is not more than 11 years if I’m not wrong and the retro business class seats don’t look too bad.

[Karachi Aviator]

I think the biggest issue is that PIA can't directly deal with any airline to acquire aircraft on lease. It has to invite bids via tenders. If the airline is interested in leasing to PIA, it'll have to bid, otherwise most of the time it is just lessors who bid and offer aircraft.

Has PIA ever directly dry leased from another airline in the past?

Qatar Airways is planning to retire its A330s as well, but they are too old.

More uniquely, Air Belgium is phasing out its a330-900neos

[Usman123]

With rising fuel costs every airline is looking for newer Widebodies

In Belgian air case i think it is due to engine issues and financial issues aswell

[Usman123]

More astonishing question is why PIA doesn't operate any 777F

With loads of 777 pilots they can easily start freighter operations with couple of leased 777Fs
We see 747Fs at Karachi and Lahore regularly means there is a big freighter market why isn't PIA capitalizing on that demand?

[faisal-777]

With rising fuel costs every airline is looking for newer Widebodies

In Belgian air case i think it is due to engine issues and financial issues aswell

Actually the fuel costs have been lower than sometime ago. It is more like saving on cost and improving revenue by going for widebody with modern engine which can offer fuel saving.

[TheAnalyst]

PIA can get the aircraft but I think the most major question is how will they be able to maintain them? I don't think lessors are even interested, they would rather consider leasing them for cheaper to an airline that is more reliable. The lease of the A320's have not been smooth at all.

[Zulfiqar]

Qatar has been leasing the Oman Air A330s for some time now. Here seen at Doha last August.