When someone in Pakistan says “Pakistani aeroplane”, they almost always mean a PIA jet — the green-and-white aircraft that have carried the national flag since 1955. This guide explains exactly which aeroplanes PIA flies today, what the private carriers operate, and what the privatised airline is buying next.
Quick answer: A Pakistani aeroplane usually means a PIA aircraft. PIA’s fleet stands at around 31–32 jets — Boeing 777s for long-haul routes and Airbus A320s for domestic and regional flying — with two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners arriving on wet lease from Norse Atlantic in late 2026 and a 16-aircraft Dreamliner order under discussion.
In this guide
PIA’s Fleet in 2026
Pakistan International Airlines operates a mixed fleet of roughly 31 aircraft, according to the airline’s own October 2026 corporate communications. The backbone is the Boeing 777 family — the 777-200ER, 777-200LR and 777-300ER — which fly PIA’s longest routes, including services to North America and Saudi Arabia. For shorter work, PIA flies the Airbus A320 on domestic legs and regional routes to the Gulf.
Only about 18 aircraft were active in early 2026, which is why cancellations plagued the schedule. The new private owners — the Arif Habib-led consortium that completed its takeover in April 2026 — have promised to grow the active fleet to 38 aircraft first, then 50, and eventually 64 jets. Read the full story in our Airline News Pakistan guide.
Aircraft Types Explained
Boeing 777 — the long-haul flagship
The triple-seven is the largest aeroplane in Pakistani service. PIA’s 777-200LR once held the record for the longest non-stop commercial flight, and the type remains the only Pakistani aircraft certified for ultra-long-haul flying.
Airbus A320 — the everyday workhorse
The A320 family is the most common Pakistani aeroplane by far: PIA, AirSial, Airblue and Fly Jinnah all fly it. It seats roughly 150–180 passengers and is ideal for the 1–2 hour domestic hops that make up most Pakistani flying.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner — the future
PIA has signed a wet-lease deal with Norse Atlantic for two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, and is negotiating a near-$4 billion order for 16 more with US EXIM Bank financing support — the centrepiece of the fleet renewal. (Details of the Dreamliner deal)
What Private Airlines Fly
Pakistan’s private carriers all fly modern Airbus narrow-bodies. AirSial became the country’s second-largest airline in September 2026 with 12 Airbus A320-family jets, overtaking Airblue (11 aircraft). Fly Jinnah, the low-cost carrier launched in 2022, also flies A320s and consistently tops punctuality rankings. New regional operator South Air flies ATR turboprops, the small propeller planes suited to short runways. See every airline’s aircraft in one place.
AP- Registrations: Reading a Pakistani Aeroplane
Every Pakistani-registered aircraft carries a registration beginning with AP-, Pakistan’s internationally assigned nationality mark — for example AP-BHV on a PIA Boeing 777. Aviation enthusiasts use these codes to identify exactly which aeroplane operated a given flight. Our flight-tracking guide shows how to look any of them up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many aeroplanes does PIA have in 2026?
PIA’s fleet stands at around 31–32 aircraft — Boeing 777s and Airbus A320s — though only about 18 were active in early 2026. The privatised airline plans to expand the active fleet to 38, then 50, and eventually 64 aircraft.
Which is the most common aeroplane in Pakistan?
The Airbus A320 family. PIA, AirSial, Airblue and Fly Jinnah all operate A320s, making it by far the most-seen Pakistani aeroplane on domestic and regional routes.
What new aeroplanes is PIA buying?
Two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners are arriving on wet lease from Norse Atlantic, and PIA is negotiating an order of 16 Boeing 787 Dreamliners worth nearly $4 billion, with the government seeking US EXIM Bank financing support.
Who owns PIA’s aeroplanes now?
PIA itself is now fully private — an Arif Habib Corporation-led consortium bought 75% in December 2025 for Rs135 billion and the remaining 25% in April 2026 for Rs45 billion. The aircraft remain PIA assets under the new ownership.
