PIA to acquire three new wide-body aircraft next year!!

[Zulfiqar]

https://www.dawn.com/news/1702107/pia-t ... -next-year

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has decided to induct three wide-body aircraft in its fleet next year.

According to sources, the PIA will acquire Airbus A-330 and Boeing-787 within the first quarter of 2023 as part of its improvement policy.

The airline’s spokesman said that the new aircraft would replace the planes acquired in 2002 and 2003.

The induction of new aircraft was aimed at expanding operations for long-haul flights as A-330 was one of the most modern and reliable aircraft.

Separately, the airlines had also planned to induct four Airbus A-320s into its fleet in this year, out of which two have already become a part of the fleet while two more aircraft will be added next month, the spokesman added.

Moreover, the airline has decided to refurbish five existing A-320s and replace their old seats with spacious and more comfortable ones.

The PIA spokesman said the process of refurbishing would be completed within four months.

Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq was briefed on Thursday by the airline’s management about the procurement of new aircraft and improvement in service delivery.

The minister also ordered replacement of the seats in PIA’s special Boeing-777 long-haul aircraft which operates on Canadian routes.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2022

[Abbas Ali]

Apparently to replace ageing Boeing 777-200ER aircraft in PIA fleet.

Abbas

[Zulfiqar]

It’s great that they want newer aircrafts. Airlines in US and Iranians still flying 20year + (767/757) aircrafts due to good maintenance. And, I guess aircrafts are treated better by both passengers and airlines.

[avgeek125]

I do second what Zulfikar Bhai said that good maintenance and the also the passengers should be treating the aircraft's better however I always had an horrendous experience with PIA whether short haul or long haul flight.

However the best possible option would be to go for B787-8 with a Seat map of 18 business and 258 in economy as this aircraft would be perfect or flight to UK, Europe or if PIA intending to start flight down under (Australia). Air India also operates same type of aircraft's on these routes.

[Usman123]

Can 777 pilots fly 787? If yes then its the better option will require minimum training

[avgeek125]

Yes Usman
A 777 pilot can complete 787 flight differences training in five days with no full-flight simulator, and the maintenance training Line and Base Course is 50 percent shorter than the 777 course.

Source:https://www.boeing.com/commercial/aerom ... 7%20course.

[owais.usmani]

Buy, dry lease or wet lease?

For any of the above, does PIA even have the money?

What were the total debt and yearly losses of PIA can somebody post the latest figures?

[Usman123]

Yes Usman
A 777 pilot can complete 787 flight differences training in five days with no full-flight simulator, and the maintenance training Line and Base Course is 50 percent shorter than the 777 course.

Source:https://www.boeing.com/commer
cial/aeromagazine/articles/qtr_1_08/article_02_2.html#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20a%20777%20pilot,shorter%20than%20the%20777%20course.

Thats good then 3 787s will be best for EU / USA / Aus routes if any of them are opened
All 777-200ERs can be converted to cargo even damaged AP-BGL will increase Cargo revenue by alot

[raza]

I don't get the point,

PIA is not ordering not 10 or 20 aircraft, what is the point of having an order of "three" aircrafts being split among two aircraft types and moreover between two manufacturers???
PIA already had the A330 for a short time and if fuel efficiency matter why not A330neo.
Seems again like a news like:
Fly nonstop to Australia... with PIA

[Abbas Ali]

Three Airbus A330 aircraft to join PIA fleet in year 2023, informed Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique today.

Abbas

[avgeek125]

The way things are moving forward in Pakistan ( politically) I don't see this happening.

[Usman123]

Three Airbus A330 aircraft to join PIA fleet in year 2023, informed Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique today.

Abbas

No tender out yet for lease of these planes

[Abbas Ali]

^ Tender notice to be issued with specifications/requirements mentioned to get best possible available Airbus A330 aircraft for PIA under Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules, informed Aviation Minister today. Specifications/requirements to be mentioned in tender notice to avoid aircraft with unsatisfactory passenger cabin facilities.

Up to four Airbus A330 to be acquired for PIA in year 2023 through bidding process.

Abbas

[raza]

I guess A330 ceo instead of A330neo,
Saad Rafique had a old adventure with a330 (PIA premier)

[A310]

Can 777 pilots fly 787? If yes then its the better option will require minimum training

It’s the same case for A320 pilots, with minimal training they can fly A330.