Boeing

Pakistan International Airlines today took delivery of its first of three Boeing [NYSE: BA] 777-300ERs on order. The newest member of PIA's long-haul, wide-body fleet departed Paine Field this morning en route to its new home base at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.

PIA is one of the first airlines to have ordered and taken delivery of three variants of Boeing's highly successful 777 family, and the airline was the launch customer for the 777-200LR (Longer Range). PIA currently has three 777-200ERs and two 777-200LRs in operation and will take delivery in February of a second 777-300ER, as well as an additional 777-200ER on lease from ILFC.

PIA's first 777-300ER (shown here departing Paine Field) incorporates a unique tail schematic that is representative of the Sind southern province of Pakistan, with Karachi being the provincial capital. The airline has outfitted its 777-200LRs with similar tail designs representing other major Pakistan provinces.

"PIA is a very important Boeing customer and it's rewarding to see the airline receive its first 777-300ER," said Miguel Santos, Boeing Commercial Airplanes international sales director. "We're proud to see the beautiful tail designs representing Pakistan's major provinces all flying on Boeing 777s."