Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is gearing up to order $1 billion worth of new aircraft, as part of plans to replace 21 ageing widebody and turboprop aircraft in its fleet by 2000.
The move comes as the carrier enters the throes of a major restructuring, with the Pakistan Government planning to recapitalise and privatise the carrier, in which it holds a 58%stake (Flight International, 2-8 April, P16).
The first phase of the fleet renewal will involve choosing between the Boeing 747-400, 777, Airbus A340 and McDonnell Douglas MD-11 to replace six 22-24-year-old Boeing 747-200s, with an order expected by August.
PIA is also evaluating the AI(R)ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-210A turboprops to replace 13 Fokker F27s and two de Havilland Twin Otters. The airline, which also flies two 747-200 Combis, plans to phase out its two Boeing 707-320 freighters, which it says could be replaced by MD-11Fs, or its own 747s converted to freighters.
Source: Flight International
