Business

Boeing keen ‘to transform PIA operations’

Boeing wants to convert PIA’s existing 777-300 ERs into the new 787 Dreamliner

APP August 18, 2016

PHOTO: AFP

ISLAMABAD: Boeing Company has shown interest in the conversion of PIA’s existing 777-300 ERs into the new 787 Dreamliner - an airplane with the right size, unique capabilities, and unmatched passenger experience.

The interest was shown in a letter written by vice chairman, president and CEO of Boeing’s Commercial Airlines Ray Conner to Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, according to the statement issued by the PM’s Office on Wednesday.

PIA's premier service set to take off

Driven by the recent race for Pakistan’s aviation market, particularly after the launch of the premier service, Boeing has shown interest in transforming PIA’s operations and help restore its profitability. Boeing has had a long relationship with PIA, dating back to the 1960s that continues today with the Boeing 777.

The Boeing president urged the prime minister to work with Boeing to complete the substitution process, enabling PIA to operate the most technologically advanced aircraft in the world.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 18^th, 2016.

COMMENTS (6)

Amir | 8 years ago | Reply During Gen Musharraf's tenure the government had announced the purchase of Airbus A340s. However, the very next day the it was announced that PIA was buying Boeing 777s. What caused this sudden change? Pressure on Gen Musharraf from high up in the US? I am not an aviation expert but do recall reading then that ALL models of Airbus aircraft used the same engine which would have been very economical for PIA. The induction of the 777s necessitated the total revamp of the engineering facilities at PIA. I wonder who paid for this!

AK | 8 years ago | Reply Pakistan's aviation industry is both small and financially weak. PIA does not even have money to maintain its existing fleet. These are just PR stunts to keep the people "happy".

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Ahmad | 8 years ago | Reply I think Boeing is not able to sell the dreamliner as much as they are selling 777s. That's the reason behind this offer.

London Banker | 8 years ago | Reply If Boeing is so keen they can do it for free?

ishrat salim | 8 years ago | Reply 787 Dreamliner will never be profitable for PIA as the traffic volume will not justify its induction, except there is money for all.

Parvez | 8 years ago | Reply More big money to be made by someone.........PIA is dead.......dressing up the dead body will not bring it back to life.

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