{"id":160190,"date":"2026-10-09T18:21:17","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T12:51:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=160190"},"modified":"2026-10-09T18:21:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T12:51:21","slug":"pakistan-airlines-to-lease-two-boeing-787s-from-norse-atlantic-after-indigo-exit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/09\/pakistan-airlines-to-lease-two-boeing-787s-from-norse-atlantic-after-indigo-exit\/","title":{"rendered":"Pakistan Airlines to Lease Two Boeing 787s from Norse Atlantic After IndiGo Exit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ISLAMABAD-<\/strong> Norse Atlantic Airways<\/a> has secured a wet-lease agreement with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)<\/a>, marking a new opportunity for the Norwegian long-haul carrier as it seeks additional revenue from its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The agreement will involve two aircraft, with operations expected to begin as early as November 2026, supporting PIA\u2019s services between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The deal comes as Norse Atlantic expands its focus on aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) contracts after facing setbacks in its scheduled long-haul business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline has also confirmed that it is discussing potential agreements with other international carriers, suggesting that ACMI operations could play a larger role in its future business strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: avgeekwithlens\/ Harsh Tekriwal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Pakistan International Airlines Wet-Lease Agreement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Under the agreement, Norse Atlantic will provide two Boeing 787-9 aircraft<\/a> along with the crews, maintenance and insurance required to operate them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PIA will use the aircraft on routes connecting Pakistan with the UK, although the airlines have not disclosed the specific routes, flight schedules or financial terms of the contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The partnership offers PIA additional widebody capacity while allowing Norse Atlantic to generate revenue from aircraft operating under another airline\u2019s commercial network. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wet leasing enables the customer airline to operate services using the provider\u2019s aircraft and operational resources rather than sourcing an aircraft alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PIA regained permission to resume UK flights in late 2024 after the UK lifted a ban imposed in 2020 over aviation safety concerns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The restrictions followed revelations that some Pakistani pilots held questionable or improperly obtained qualifications, prompting scrutiny of the country\u2019s aviation oversight system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UK return restored an important international market for PIA, but operating long-haul services requires suitable aircraft and operational resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Norse Atlantic\u2019s Dreamliners will provide the capacity needed for the partnership, with the exact deployment depending on the airlines\u2019 operational plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Von MarcelX42 – Eigenes Werk, CC BY-SA 4.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=122865958<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Norse Atlantic\u2019s ACMI Strategy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Norse Atlantic launched as a low-cost, long-haul airline, connecting European cities with destinations in North America. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, intense competition, the high costs associated with long-haul flying and challenges in sustaining its scheduled network have pushed the airline to seek alternative ways to use its fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its earlier ACMI agreement with Indian carrier IndiGo was intended to support IndiGo\u2019s expansion into long-haul services between India and Europe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That plan fell apart in July 2026 when IndiGo abandoned its long-haul ambitions, citing continued geopolitical challenges affecting the airline industry and India-Europe operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cancellation forced Norse Atlantic to look for replacement business while considering options that included a sale, merger or strategic partnership. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ACMI contracts can help the airline secure more predictable revenue and improve aircraft utilization, although profitability still depends on contract terms and operating costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eivind Roald, who took over as chief executive after founder Bjorn Tore Larsen left the position in late 2025, described charter and ACMI agreements as important components of the airline\u2019s balanced business model, PYOK flagged<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said these arrangements support capacity opportunities, predictable cash flows and long-term value creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Orlando International Airport (MCO)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

More Wet-Lease Deals for Norse <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Norse Atlantic says it is actively discussing potential additional ACMI agreements with other leading international airlines. The company has not named the prospective customers or disclosed how many aircraft could be involved in future contracts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The PIA agreement could therefore provide a foundation for expanding the airline\u2019s wet-lease business, particularly if it can secure further contracts for its Boeing 787 fleet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the scale and timing of any expansion will depend on negotiations and the availability of suitable aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Norse Atlantic, securing repeat ACMI business could reduce its reliance on operating every aircraft through its own scheduled network. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The PIA deal represents a concrete step in that direction, while further agreements would help determine whether wet leasing can become a sustainable source of revenue for the airline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pakistan International Airlines Boosts London Flights by 75% with New Schedule<\/a><\/blockquote>