Pakistan International Arlines (PIA) : News / Updates

[Hussain]

 

[PK781]

The uniforms are not the problem!

The problem is the products, the passengers need better service , punctuality and food (addition of small salad in economy and/or maybe a juice) etc in addition to just the “biryani/pulao/chicken and the desert. Add a yogurt or something.

Lately they were cutting corners on the longhaul economy meals.

Either go free starlink wifi or get new IFE and charging ports at least so pax can use their own devices and not run out of battery powers in longhaul economy to europe/canada

Only 5 out of 12 x B777 are currently active…..they really need to bring the inactive planes back to life. Having 7 x B777 jets just out of parts/life is looking so damn bad…..no improvement yet!!

Wet-leasing 2 B787 won’t magically fix the problem, u need your own brand and fleet to improve your image worldwide!

Seems the owners and stakeholders are moving at turtle pace……still no spare parts and engines for the inactive fleet

 

[ghazi52]

Runway to runway: HSY to design the new look of PIA crew​

• Collection to make its official skyward debut on Oct 31

BR
October 22, 2026



The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is bringing runway glamour back to the skies as the national flag carrier has officially unveiled its reimagined cabin crew uniform collection, masterfully crafted by celebrated couturier Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY), “in a celebration of heritage, modern elegance, and warm hospitality”, read a statement issued by the airline.

“The collection marks a stylish leap forward in PIA’s ongoing transformation under its consortium-led new management, refreshing the onboard experience with an elevated, contemporary aesthetic that puts passenger comfort and crew pride at the forefront,” said PIA Spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan.

The PIA has long held a singular tradition of bridging commercial aviation with world-class fashion. In 1966, legendary French designer Pierre Cardin designed PIA’s pioneering A-line tunic and hood, defining aviation chic across the globe, the flag carrier stated in a press release.


“That heritage was enriched in the 1970s by Queen Elizabeth II’s royal couturier, Sir Hardy Amies, who brought refined tailoring to the skies, followed in recent years by contemporary master Nomi Ansari whose uniform inspiration lasted PIA for 12 years,” it added.

Now, that mantle passes on to HSY—one of South Asia’s most formidable fashion forces. Known globally for his red-carpet presence, roots extending into Hollywood styling, and dressing international celebrities, HSY is frequently chosen as the creative ambassador representing Pakistan’s fashion artistry on world stages. With this collection, he fuses Pakistan’s rich textile soul with sleek, international tailoring.

“Designing for our national flag carrier is about capturing our collective pride and the genuine warmth of Pakistani hospitality,” said HSY. “We wanted uniforms that our crew feels extraordinarily confident and comfortable apparel that respects our heritage, reflects modern fashion, and tells our story beautifully in every airport across the globe.”

 

[ghazi52]

According to the PIA, the new collection embraces a lifestyle first philosophy. Engineered for long-haul durability and ergonomic movement, the silhouettes blend soft, breathable fabrics with structured tailoring. The palette and detailing subtly celebrate Pakistan’s cultural craftsmanship while maintaining the polished, functional discipline required at cruising altitude.

The final look emerged from a competitive, collaborative showcase held in Karachi, where 10 of Pakistan’s top fashion designers presented their creative concepts before an esteemed jury of fashion icons and industry leaders.

“Passengers won’t have to wait long to experience the new visual identity. The collection makes its official skyward debut on October 31, 2026, aboard PIA’s inaugural Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flight from London to Islamabad, signaling a fresh chapter of comfort, sophistication, and national pride connecting Pakistan to the world”, said the PIA’s spokesperson.

 

[PK781]

i thought the wet-leased aircrafts will have their own flight deck and cabin crews ??

Usually dry-lease would mean PIA operates it. But Wet Lease, i dunno.

Will wait to see passenger experiences from a high-density economy class in the Dreamliners (B787)

 

[ghazi52]

Peshawar Airport, Peshawar, 1961-62 (c).

© Paul Mclester

 

[atmi_bum]

i thought the wet-leased aircrafts will have their own flight deck and cabin crews ??

Usually dry-lease would mean PIA operates it. But Wet Lease, i dunno.

Will wait to see passenger experiences from a high-density economy class in the Dreamliners (B787)

It's under an ACMI lease, which includes aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance. The crew will include both flight and cabin crew. The aircraft won't be painted in PIA colors because the lease is short.

The lease is only for six months to cover PIA's busy winter season, freeing up other aircraft for other routes. It should go back to normal in the spring.

I think PIA is laying the groundwork for an aircraft order to expand its fleet, which is much needed.

 

[Par 5]

It is not the unifroms but the upper management mindset that needs the change

 

[Meengla]

Under the new management, I absolutely see no way PIA could any worse than it became after late 80s: Much of Pakistan's economic and governance decline started after 1988. PIA was one of them.
I had some close relatives working at PIA in 70s and 80s and the PIA of those years was a fantastic efficient organization. The decline started with the Bhuttos taking power in late 80s and stuffing PIA with their political appointees.

 

[Par 5]

Under the new management, I absolutely see no way PIA could any worse than it became after late 80s: Much of Pakistan's economic and governance decline started after 1988. PIA was one of them.
I had some close relatives working at PIA in 70s and 80s and the PIA of those years was a fantastic efficient organization. The decline started with the Bhuttos taking power in late 80s and stuffing PIA with their political appointees.

Emirates Airline was born out of the lap of PIA in the 80's. Gone are the days for PIA unfortunately

 

[Hussain]

 

[Aziqbal]

The uniforms are not the problem!

The problem is the products, the passengers need better service , punctuality and food (addition of small salad in economy and/or maybe a juice) etc in addition to just the “biryani/pulao/chicken and the desert. Add a yogurt or something.

Lately they were cutting corners on the longhaul economy meals.

Either go free starlink wifi or get new IFE and charging ports at least so pax can use their own devices and not run out of battery powers in longhaul economy to europe/canada

Only 5 out of 12 x B777 are currently active…..they really need to bring the inactive planes back to life. Having 7 x B777 jets just out of parts/life is looking so damn bad…..no improvement yet!!

Wet-leasing 2 B787 won’t magically fix the problem, u need your own brand and fleet to improve your image worldwide!

Seems the owners and stakeholders are moving at turtle pace……still no spare parts and engines for the inactive fleet

I remember I took a flight from Dubai to Islamabad

a they gave the most disgusting rice biryani ever ! I couldn't touch it with a 6ft pole

but the guy next to me ate his one he ate mine and then asked for a 3rd one

after absolutely demolishing 3 x Biryanis he burped and said

"Yeh sirf naam ki biryani hai." and then proceed to try and get a 4th

I was like FFS you greedy basket a bit of appreciation wouldn't go a miss

 

[Hussain]

 

[PK781]

I remember I took a flight from Dubai to Islamabad

a they gave the most disgusting rice biryani ever ! I couldn't touch it with a 6ft pole

but the guy next to me ate his one he ate mine and then asked for a 3rd one

after absolutely demolishing 3 x Biryanis he burped and said

"Yeh sirf naam ki biryani hai." and then proceed to try and get a 4th

I was like FFS you greedy basket a bit of appreciation wouldn't go a miss

to be honest, these days on Toronto-Islamabad they been serving the pulao rice with daal and chicken curry/qorma and i found it to be filling and tasty. However there was no salad! Only yogurt and a desert and no breadroll/butter.

Hopefully there is an improvement in PIA soon, but i was also missed at the reduction of luggage/baggage weight. Used to be 2 x 28kgs for Toronto, now its 1 bag per ticket of 28kgs or you pay more for baggage!