Norse Atlantic will provide two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to PIA under an agreement expected to commence in November 2026.
The aircraft will be supplied with crew, maintenance and insurance under an ACMI arrangement. This allows PIA to operate the aircraft without having to source and manage these services independently.
The agreement comes as Norse continues to pursue contracts with other airlines, placing greater emphasis on leasing after initially focusing on low-cost long-haul passenger flights.
PIA to Increase Long-Haul Capacity
The two Dreamliners are expected to support PIA’s services between the United Kingdom and Pakistan, giving the airline additional capacity on routes connecting the two markets.
The arrangement provides PIA with access to additional aircraft without having to independently organise the crew, maintenance and insurance covered by the agreement. The Boeing 787-9 is designed for long-haul operations, making it suitable for services between the UK and Pakistan.
Specific routes for the two aircraft have not yet been disclosed, and Norse has not confirmed which individual Dreamliners will be assigned to the agreement.
Operations are expected to begin in November.
Norse Atlantic Turns to Leasing
Norse Atlantic launched in 2021 with a focus on affordable long-haul travel, particularly between Europe and the United States. However, the airline has faced financial pressure as it attempts to make its transatlantic operation sustainable.
The carrier has responded by placing emphasis on ACMI contracts, through which other airlines pay Norse to provide aircraft and the services needed to operate them.
These agreements give Norse another source of revenue, with payments linked to contracted aircraft operations instead of relying solely on passenger demand across its own scheduled network. The model still carries operating costs and financial risks, but it can help keep aircraft in use when the airline’s own passenger services are less profitable.
Norse operates a fleet of 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and has been seeking additional opportunities to deploy them.
The PIA agreement follows the end of Norse’s wet-lease arrangement with Indian carrier IndiGo. That contract had provided another outlet for its aircraft, making replacement agreements important as the Norwegian airline looks to maintain aircraft utilisation and generate revenue.
Financial Challenges Remain
Despite securing the PIA agreement, Norse Atlantic continues to face questions about its long-term financial position.
In July 2026, the company began exploring a potential sale or merger as it assessed options for its future. The move came as continued pressure on its business, with operating costs and the challenges of the long-haul market affecting its prospects.
This agreement gives Norse another contract, although further business will be important as it works towards a more sustainable operation.
The arrangement is expected to provide PIA with additional long-haul capacity while giving Norse another opportunity to put its Dreamliners to work. With operations due to begin in November, further details about aircraft assignments and routes are still to be confirmed.
