Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is negotiating with Singapore Airlines (SIA) on a possible leasing deal covering up to six Boeing 747-300s. The carrier says it is in advanced talks and wants to take the aircraft as early as March.
The -300s would replace all but two of PIA's fleet of ageing 747-200s, leaving two -200 Combis still flying. PIA says it has still not been decided how much longer the Combis will remain in service, although this is likely to be at least another year.
Earlier talks between PIA and Korean Air on the South Korean carrier's two 747-300s have come to an end, with Korean Air saying that it wants to sell the aircraft, while PIA is interested only in a lease arrangement.
SIA owns eight 747-300s, six of which have been removed from service and parked. Two have been leased to Ansett Australia, and are due for return in August and September as Ansett takes two 747-400s on lease from SIA.
Source: Flight International
