Pakistan, Boeing discuss PIA fleet renewal and faster jet deliveries

Pakistan and Boeing have advanced discussions on modernising PIA's fleet, with the aircraft maker expected to share a revised acquisition proposal and explore earlier delivery slots, according to Business Recorder. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met Boeing Global President Dr Brendan Nelson on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly session.

The meeting covered financing support from the US Export-Import Bank, engine procurement, spare parts, maintenance and returning grounded aircraft to service. Aurangzeb outlined PIA's privatisation and the plan to outsource management of major airports, and welcomed Boeing's backing for aviation safety capacity, regulatory engagement and restoration of direct flights to the United States. He also underscored Pakistan's strong long-term aviation growth potential.

Mettis Global also reported that Pakistan and Boeing advanced the talks on PIA fleet modernization, but did not provide further details.

In a separate meeting with an Abbott's Pharmaceuticals Division representative, Aurangzeb discussed the Hepatitis C elimination programme. He expressed concern that only about 100,000 of roughly three million procured diagnostic tests have been used, blaming leadership turnover, weak project management and limited public awareness. He appreciated Abbott's technical assistance modelled on Egypt's screening programme, and raised DRAP regulatory capacity, pharmaceutical export diversification, oncology plans and delays in hardship pricing cases. The finance minister acknowledged the need to balance affordability with commercial viability and continuity of supply, and said he would raise implementation issues with relevant authorities in Pakistan.

At the UN-hosted Solutions Dialogue on Climate Finance, Aurangzeb said Pakistan is acutely vulnerable to climate change and stressed the need for credible adaptation and disaster-response frameworks, early warning systems and bankable projects. He said climate resilience must begin with domestic macroeconomic stability and adequate fiscal and external buffers, with international support complementing national resources. He outlined financing from World Bank, IMF's Resilience and Sustainability Facility, green instruments and private investors, and expressed concern over the slow operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund. He urged the Green Climate Fund and other international institutions to simplify their accreditation, approval and disbursement procedures so vulnerable countries can access climate finance more efficiently.