The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has finalized agreements with Ireland-based Seraph Aviation that will provide two new Airbus A320-200 aircraft for its fleet, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Tuesday.

The PIA will receive the first jet in July and second in August.

Sources claimed PIA managed to lock a good deal due to the coronavirus pandemic and new jets will increase the revenue of the national airline. PIA aimed to add six jets in its fleet.

According to The Irish Times, PIA originally tendered for eight narrow-body aircraft and received nearly 130 bids. Following an extensive process covering technical and financial requirements, Seraph Aviation Group was successful in the process, with deliveries expected in July and August.

Air Marshal Arshad Malik, chief executive officer of Pakistan International Airlines, congratulated Seraph for winning “a well-contested tender” and noted that he is looking forward to a “productive long-term partnership” between the two companies, Irish media reported. 

He said PIA had an aggressive growth-based strategy in which the renewal and expansion of the fleet was central, along with consolidation on productive routes and expansion on new routes. 

Seraph Aviation Group chief executive David Butler said: “We are delighted to have secured a contract for two A320-200s with Pakistan International Airlines.

“This follows a process in which we faced strong competition, but where the combination of technical ability and financial modelling achieved the highest marks. We look forward to delivering both aircraft in the coming months and to commencing a long and positive relationship with Pakistan International Airways.”

Seraph Aviation Group is headquartered in Dublin and has offices in Connecticut in the US, and London, England.

Reporter Zeshan Ahmed