Pakistan and Boeing discuss PIA fleet modernization and revised aircraft proposal

Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met Boeing Global President Dr Brendan Nelson in New York to discuss modernization of Pakistan International Airlines’ fleet and broader cooperation in the aviation sector. According to an official government statement, Boeing confirmed that it would share a revised proposal with PIA for the acquisition of new aircraft. The meeting also covered options for earlier delivery slots and interim leasing arrangements. The two sides discussed possible financing support from the U.S. Export-Import Bank, engine procurement, spare parts, maintenance and restoration of grounded aircraft. Aurangzeb also outlined the government’s PIA privatization process and plans to outsource management of major airports. Aviation-safety capacity, regulatory cooperation and the restoration of direct flights to the United States were also discussed during the meeting.