Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is moving forward with long-delayed plans for a fleet modernisation, after securing government promises that Rs4.6 billion ($77 million) will be allocated for it to place orders with Airbus or Boeing. PIA says it is considering the purchase of 11 Airbus A340s or Boeing 777s for delivery between 2003 and 2011. It says the country's finance ministry has tentatively endorsed its plans. "The government has allocated Rs4.6 billion as the first tranche for the fleet purchase," says state-owned PIA, which currently operates around 40 aircraft. It adds that its board is considering a new long-term business plan covering 2003-2011. Under the plan, three aircraft would be acquired in 2003, two in 2006 and the remaining six by 2010 or 2011.
Source: Flight International
