PIA Appoints Adrian Hamilton-Manns as New Chief Executive Officer
PIA has appointed aviation executive Adrian Hamilton-Manns as CEO, replacing Amir Hayat, as the privatised airline moves ahead with its transformation plans.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has appointed Adrian Hamilton-Manns as its new chief executive officer (CEO), replacing Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Amir Hayat, the airline announced on Monday.
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In a press release, PIA said Hamilton-Manns brings more than 30 years of leadership and strategic experience in the global aviation industry. The airline described his appointment as an important step in its ongoing transformation.
According to the statement, Hamilton-Manns has previously managed three airlines as CEO and has experience in transforming and reviving airline businesses.
PIA’ Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Adrian Hamilton-Manns as the CEO. He brings a wealth of leadership & strategic experience and his appointment marks a pivotal chapter in PIA’s ongoing transformation. He has to his credit managing three airlines as a CEO and many others in leadership roles, and is considered a world expert in transformation and reviving airlines. His professional experience spans over 30 years.
— PIA (@Official_PIA) November 2, 2026ADVERTISEMENT
Who Is Adrian Hamilton-Manns?
Hamilton-Manns has held senior positions in the international aviation sector, including leadership roles at Oman-based SalamAir and Kazakhstan’s FlyArystan, according to Forbes Middle East.
He has also worked with South African Airways and Virgin Australia.
PIA said his experience would help accelerate the airline’s strategic objectives, improve service standards and support sustainable profitability.
The airline expressed confidence that his leadership would contribute to its transformation and future commercial performance.
PIA Thanks Outgoing CEO Amir Hayat
The PIA board and consortium also thanked outgoing CEO AVM Amir Hayat for his service.
According to the airline, Hayat served for four-and-a-half years and guided PIA through significant challenges facing the aviation industry.
The statement credited his leadership with initiating structural reforms, improving operational efficiency and preparing the airline for its privatisation process.
PIA said the groundwork laid during his tenure would remain important for the airline’s future commercial viability.
PIA Privatisation and New Ownership
PIA was privatised through an auction in December 2025, when a consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation Limited won the bid for a 75% stake in the national carrier for Rs135 billion.
The consortium took charge of the airline in June 2026 and pledged to improve its performance through operational restructuring, fleet expansion and better customer service.
The appointment of Hamilton-Manns comes as the new ownership seeks to strengthen the airline’s operations and financial position.
PIA Adds First Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
The leadership change follows another development in PIA’s fleet expansion.
On Sunday, the airline’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, acquired on lease the previous month, arrived in Islamabad from London as flight PK786.
A PIA spokesperson said the national carrier had become the first Pakistani airline to add a Boeing 787-9 to its fleet.
The aircraft’s arrival and the appointment of a new CEO come amid the airline’s broader plans to improve its fleet, services and commercial performance.
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