Pakistan International Airlines has taken a key operational step as it prepares for upcoming long-haul services. PIA has issued a tender seeking leased GE90 engines for its Boeing 777 fleet. The move is aimed at improving engine availability and ensuring smoother operations on international routes.
The tender comes at a crucial time for PIA, as the airline finalizes plans for its London services. The carrier has confirmed that the Boeing 777 will be used for flights to the United Kingdom. This aircraft is PIA’s main widebody jet for long-distance travel and offers higher seating capacity compared to smaller aircraft.
According to the proposed schedule, PIA plans to launch Islamabad–London flights starting March 29. These flights will operate three times a week. The selected days are Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. This schedule is designed to support steady passenger demand on the important UK route.
In addition, PIA is planning to start its Lahore–London service from March 30. Initially, the route will have one weekly flight. The service is expected to operate on Mondays. The limited frequency suggests a cautious approach during the early phase of operations.
The decision to use Boeing 777 aircraft shows the airline’s intention to deploy larger planes. This also indicates confidence in passenger demand on long-haul routes. By securing leased GE90 engines, PIA aims to avoid technical disruptions and improve fleet reliability.
Separately, the airline has also begun early preparations for Ramadan 2026 operations. As part of this planning, PIA has floated tenders for onboard iftar supplies. These include date packets and juice packs. The supplies will be used on both domestic and international flights.
Bids for the Ramadan supplies are due in mid-January. This early planning reflects the airline’s focus on service readiness during peak travel periods. Ramadan flights often see higher passenger volumes, especially on international routes.
In other related news also read PIA announces Lahore-London flights return from March 30
Overall, these steps highlight PIA’s focus on operational stability and network expansion. The leasing of engines and confirmation of aircraft type are important measures. They support the airline’s efforts to maintain consistent long-haul services. With London routes and seasonal planning underway, PIA appears focused on improving reliability and passenger experience in the coming year.
