Talks cover Boeing 787s, earlier delivery slots, interim leasing, engines, spare parts and efforts to return grounded PIA aircraft to service

NEW YORK / KARACHI (Nazrana Times) — Boeing is expected to submit a revised aircraft acquisition proposal to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), as Pakistan steps up efforts to modernise the carrier’s fleet and secure U.S.-backed financing for future aircraft purchases.

The development emerged during Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb’s engagements in New York on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

According to information released by Pakistan’s Finance Ministry and reported by Pakistani media, Aurangzeb met Boeing Global President Dr Brendan Nelson, with discussions covering PIA’s fleet requirements, financing options, aircraft availability and possible cooperation in strengthening Pakistan’s aviation sector.

Boeing Proposal and Earlier Aircraft Deliveries

During the discussions, Boeing confirmed that it would provide PIA with a revised proposal concerning aircraft procurement.

The two sides also discussed the possibility of securing earlier aircraft delivery slots and exploring interim leasing arrangements to help PIA meet its more immediate fleet requirements.

The talks extended beyond new aircraft purchases to include engines, spare parts and support for bringing currently grounded aircraft back into operation.

No final aircraft purchase agreement, price, number of aircraft or delivery schedule was announced.

Pakistan Seeks US EXIM Support for Boeing 787s

In a separate meeting in New York, Aurangzeb held discussions with U.S. Export-Import Bank President and Chairman John Jovanovic over potential financing for several major Pakistani projects.

PIA’s fleet modernisation was among the key issues discussed.

The Finance Minister outlined the airline’s interest in Boeing aircraft, particularly the 787 Dreamliner, and discussed possible financing support covering aircraft and engines.

Pakistan also raised the requirement for spare parts needed to help return grounded Boeing 777 aircraft to service.

The discussions included possible financing for aircraft pre-delivery payments, while both sides agreed to continue work on a broader framework for economic and commercial cooperation.

Refinery Upgrades and Reko Diq Also Discussed

The talks with the U.S. EXIM Bank were not limited to aviation.

Potential financing for Pakistan’s refinery modernisation programme was also discussed, along with continued U.S. EXIM involvement in the Reko Diq copper and gold mining project.

Aurangzeb highlighted Reko Diq’s expected importance for Pakistan’s future exports and stressed the economic impact of delays in developing the project.

PIA Under Private Management

The discussions come as PIA undergoes restructuring following its privatisation.

A consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation secured a 75% stake and management control of the airline, creating expectations of fresh investment in aircraft, operations and international expansion.

A U.S. Department of Commerce assessment published in 2026 described PIA’s privatisation as an opportunity for U.S. aviation companies to participate in the airline’s fleet strategy, operational systems and future growth.

Fleet expansion is expected to be a central part of the airline’s restructuring, although the latest Boeing discussions have not yet resulted in a publicly announced firm order.

Direct Pakistan-US Flights and Aviation Safety

Pakistan is also seeking the restoration of direct air links with the United States.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration assigned Pakistan a Category 2 rating under its International Aviation Safety Assessment programme in July 2020, citing shortcomings in compliance with international aviation safety oversight standards.

Under FAA rules, airlines from a Category 2 country that did not already operate U.S. services at the time of the assessment cannot begin new services using their own aircraft until the required safety status is restored.

During his meeting with Boeing, Aurangzeb discussed aviation-safety capacity building, regulatory engagement and Pakistan’s objective of restoring direct flights to the United States.

Airport Management Plans

The Finance Minister also outlined Pakistan’s plans for greater private-sector participation in aviation infrastructure, including the proposed outsourcing of management at major airports.

The latest discussions indicate growing commercial engagement between Pakistan and U.S. aviation and financial institutions, but they remain at the proposal and financing stage.

No firm Boeing aircraft order has been announced, and the final fleet size, financing structure, aircraft configuration, price and delivery timetable remain subject to further negotiations.