Pakistan International Airlines has appointed Adrian Hamilton-Manns as chief executive, with the aviation veteran already taking charge. His arrival is among the first major leadership changes since an Arif Habib-led consortium assumed management of the national carrier on June 29, 2026.
Experience across several airlines
Hamilton-Manns brings more than 30 years of aviation experience to PIA. He has previously held chief executive roles at three airlines across Oman, Kazakhstan and Africa.
Before moving to PIA, he headed Salam Air, the low-cost airline based in Muscat, which he joined in July 2024. He was previously president and chief executive of Kazakhstan’s Fly Arystan, serving from April 2020 until July 2024.
His earlier career also included senior commercial roles at:
- IndiGo in India
- South African Airways
- Virgin Australia’s Pacific Blue
- Mandala Airlines in Indonesia
Board recognises outgoing chief
PIA’s consortium and board also recognised the work of departing chief executive Air Vice Marshal (retired) Aamir Hayat. They acknowledged his leadership through a difficult period marked by multiple challenges.
Under Hayat, the airline recorded improvements in aviation safety standards. European and British authorities also removed restrictions on PIA during his tenure.
