Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has appointed aviation executive Adrian Hamilton-Manns as its new chief executive officer (CEO), the airline’s board announced on Monday, 2 November 2026.
Hamilton-Manns formally assumed charge of the national flag carrier on the same day, succeeding Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat, who served as CEO for around four and a half years.
PIA said Hamilton-Manns brings more than 30 years of experience in the global aviation industry and has previously served as chief executive of three airlines. Before joining PIA, he headed Oman-based low-cost carrier SalamAir.
The airline described his appointment as a pivotal chapter in its ongoing transformation, with the new chief tasked with improving its commercial performance and long-term sustainability.
The leadership change comes as PIA operates under private-sector management, after an Arif Habib-led consortium took over the airline’s management on 29 June 2026 following the privatisation process.
Photo: PIA (handout).