October 10, 2026 — Norse Atlantic Airways will lease two Boeing 787-9s with crews to Pakistan International Airlines from November, the airlines announced on Friday, October 9. The jets will fly between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, and the deal moves more of Norse’s fleet away from its own low-fare transatlantic flights.
What happened
The agreement is an ACMI lease, in which the lessor supplies the aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance. It replaces work Norse lost in July, when IndiGo said it would end its 787 lease arrangement with the Norwegian carrier.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Aircraft | Two Boeing 787-9s, from a Norse fleet of 12 787s |
| Customer | Pakistan International Airlines (PK) |
| Start | November 2026; exact date TBA |
| Routes | Nonstop Pakistan–United Kingdom; city pairs TBA |
| Length and value | TBA; not disclosed |
Norse chief executive Eivind Roald called the deal “the start of a strategic partnership between the two companies,” as quoted by Nukta. PIA chief executive Amir Hayat said the UK is an important market and that the aircraft add needed capacity.
Reuters reports that Norse is under pressure from high jet fuel costs, is cutting its exposure to low-cost transatlantic flying in favor of ACMI work, and is talking to other airlines about further contracts. In July it began a formal process that could end in a sale or merger.
What it means for non-revs
- Fewer Norse seats across the Atlantic. Two of 12 aircraft leave Norse’s own schedule from November, and the airline says it wants more leasing deals. If you rely on Norse for interline standby between Europe and the US, expect a thinner schedule and check what is still operating before you list.
- The PIA flights are PIA’s to sell. On an ACMI flight the customer airline controls the seats, so staff travel would run under PIA’s rules, not Norse’s. Confirm with your pass bureau whether a wet-leased flight is eligible before you list.
- More Pakistan–UK capacity. Two 787-9s on nonstop routes add seats for anyone traveling between the two countries. City pairs and start dates are still to come.
- Watch Norse’s future. A carrier in a sale or merger process can change its interline agreements quickly. Keep a backup carrier for any Norse trip.
Sources
- Arab News (Reuters) — Norse Atlantic lands lease deal with Pakistan’s PIA
- FlightGlobal — Pakistan International Airlines to lease Norse 787s after termination of IndiGo partnership
- Nukta — PIA to Lease Two Boeing 787 Dreamliners from Norse Atlantic
Get NonRev Travel News by email
A weekly recap newsletter, sent out every Sunday, with the airline, airport, cruise and travel-warning news that matters to airline employees and retirees. Free.
Subscribe free
