Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has appointed Adrian Hamilton-Manns as its new chief executive officer, the airline’s board announced on Monday.

In a press release, PIA said Hamilton-Manns “brings a wealth of leadership and strategic experience within the global aviation sector”.

The airline said the appointment marks a key stage in its transformation. It said he has led three airlines as chief executive, has more than 30 years of experience, and is considered a leading expert in turning around and reviving airlines.

Hamilton-Manns replaces Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat, who served as chief executive for four and a half years. The consortium and the management board thanked Hayat for his service in the statement, saying his leadership helped the airline through major industry challenges.

PIA said Hayat started structural reforms, improved operational efficiency, and prepared the airline for privatisation, and that the groundwork he laid will matter for the carrier’s future commercial viability.

PIA said it is confident that Hamilton-Manns’s experience will speed up its strategic goals, raise service standards, and support sustainable profitability.

According to Forbes Middle East, Hamilton-Manns was previously chief executive of Oman’s SalamAir and of the Kazakhstan-based FlyArystan. He also held roles at South African Airways and Virgin Australia. Arab News Pakistan reported that he is a New Zealand national.

The government privatised PIA in December 2025 through an auction. A consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation Limited won 75 percent of the shares with a bid of 135 billion Pakistani rupees.

The consortium took charge in June 2026 and has said it will turn around the loss-making airline through operational restructuring, fleet expansion, and better customer service.

The announcement came a day after PIA’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, acquired on lease last month, arrived in Islamabad from London as flight PK786 on Sunday. A PIA spokesperson said it is the first Pakistani airline to add a 787-9 to its fleet.

Source: Dawn