KARACHI: Norse Atlantic ASA said it has signed an ACMI agreement with Pakistan International Airlines to provide two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, boosting the Pakistani flag carrier’s long-haul capacity between the United Kingdom and Pakistan.
The agreement, under which Norse supplies the aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance, is expected to begin flight operations in early November 2026, connecting multiple destinations between the two countries.
Norse CEO Eivind Roald said the deal reflects the company’s “Airline on Demand” strategy and marks the start of a strategic partnership between the two airlines.
“As previously communicated to the market, we deliver according to what we have said by now gradually redeploying capacity into new ACMI opportunities,” Roald said. “We are pleased to support PIA’s long-haul capacity expansion and to strengthen connectivity between the UK and Pakistan by providing the large Pakistani community in the UK with more options for travel between the two countries.”
Roald said charter and ACMI agreements are integral to Norse’s business model, providing predictable cash flows and long-term value creation. PIA CEO Amir Hayat said the U.K. is an important market for the airline and the agreement will allow it to expand capacity and offer passengers greater choice and connectivity.
“We are pleased to partner with Norse Atlantic as we continue to strengthen our international network and respond to strong demand for direct travel between the two countries,” Hayat said. “This is the first set of Dreamliners that is being adopted by the Pakistani market.”
Norse said its ACMI arrangements with international carriers help shield it from passenger-demand volatility and fuel-price fluctuations. The company said it is in active discussions with other airlines about additional ACMI agreements.
Norse Atlantic Airways operates a fleet of 12 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners serving destinations across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
Pakistan International Airlines, founded in 1955, is Pakistan’s national flag carrier. Following its privatization in December 2025, the airline has focused on fleet modernization, digital innovation and route expansion. It operates a fleet of 31 aircraft, including Boeing 777s and Airbus 320s.
