Adrian Hamilton-Manns takes charge as PIA CEO
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has appointed aviation executive Adrian Hamilton-Manns as its new chief executive officer (CEO), with him assuming charge on Monday, November 2, 2026.
The appointment was announced by the PIA Board, which said Hamilton-Manns would lead the national carrier through its ongoing transformation and efforts to improve its commercial viability.
According to the announcement, Hamilton-Manns brings more than 30 years of experience in the global aviation industry and has served as chief executive of three airlines. He is described by the board as an expert in airline transformation and turnaround strategies.
Before his appointment at PIA, he headed Oman-based SalamAir. He previously served as president and CEO of Kazakhstan’s FlyArystan from April 2020 to July 2024 and was the founding CEO of Africa-focused low-cost carrier flyafrica.com from 2012 to 2016.
His previous experience also includes senior commercial positions at India’s IndiGo, South African Airways, Virgin Australia’s Pacific Blue and Indonesia’s Mandala Airlines. He began his aviation career at Air New Zealand in 1997.
Hamilton-Manns takes over the position from Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Amir Hayat, who served as PIA’s CEO for four-and-a-half years.
The PIA Board acknowledged Hayat’s contribution to the airline, particularly his role in introducing structural reforms, improving operational efficiency and preparing the national carrier for privatisation.
“We are immensely grateful for AVM Amir Hayat’s steadfast commitment to the national flag carrier during a highly complex transitional period,” the PIA Board chairman said.
Welcoming the new CEO, the chairman expressed confidence that Hamilton-Manns’ aviation experience would help accelerate the airline’s strategic objectives, improve service standards and achieve sustainable profitability.
The appointment comes as PIA enters a new phase under private-sector management. An Arif Habib-led consortium took over the airline’s management on June 29, 2026, following the privatisation process.