Pakistan International Airlines takes delivery of its first Boeing 777

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) today received its first 777, a 777-200ER, the first of eight new Boeing 777s for the Karachi-based carrier.

PIA is replacing its current long-haul fleet with a complete family of Boeing 777s.

"We are growing and the need to renew our fleet was imperative," said Ahmad Saeed, chairman Pakistan International Airlines Corporation. "Operating the all new technology 777s will give our passengers more frequency, access to more destinations and an improved class of service and comfort."

PIA is also the launch customer for the 777-200LR (longer range) and the second airline in the world to operate the 777 with the new fully-integrated, certified Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) in the flight deck. The EFB system gives airplane pilots all the information to navigate the airplane at their finger tips in a digital display, currently found in manuals.

"The 777 family provides the flexibility to meet PIA's needs now and into the future," said Toby Bright, vice president, Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We look forward to expanding our close working together relationship."

PIA ordered its 777's in 2002. That order, valued at $1.79 billion, includes three 777-200ER (extended range), two 777-200LR and three 777-300ER airplanes. It is the largest airplane order in the history of PIA and the largest capital goods order in the history of Pakistan. Deliveries will continue through 2008.

PIA's 777-200ERs will seat 329 passengers in a two-class configuration. 

GE90 engines will power the Boeing 777s. General Electric Aircraft Engines is the sole producer of engines for the 777-200LR and 777-300ER airplanes.