PIA Appoints Adrian Hamilton-Manns as New CEO
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has named Adrian Hamilton-Manns, a veteran aviation executive with over 30 years of experience, as its new chief executive officer.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has formally appointed Adrian Hamilton-Manns as its new chief executive officer, bringing an aviation executive with more than 30 years of industry experience to lead the national carrier. Hamilton-Manns has officially assumed charge after previously serving as the chief executive of three airlines in Oman, Kazakhstan and Africa.
His appointment marks one of the first major leadership changes at PIA since an Arif Habib-led consortium took over the airline’s management on June 29, 2026. Hamilton-Manns has led Salam Air, a Muscat-based low-cost carrier, since July 2024. Before joining the Omani airline, he served as president and CEO of Kazakhstan’s Fly Arystan from April 2020 to July 2024.
His earlier career includes senior commercial positions at India’s IndiGo, South African Airways, Virgin Australia’s Pacific Blue and Indonesia’s Mandala Airlines. The consortium and board acknowledged the contributions of outgoing CEO Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Aamir Hayat, who led the airline through difficult circumstances and multiple challenges.
During Hayat’s tenure, PIA improved its aviation safety standards, while European and British authorities lifted restrictions on the airline. Hamilton-Manns’ appointment is expected to bring fresh international expertise to PIA as it continues its restructuring and seeks to regain global standing.
