Former SalamAir CEO Adrian Hamilton-Manns nominated as PIA chief, sources say

Former SalamAir chief executive Adrian Hamilton-Manns has been nominated as the new CEO of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), according to sources familiar with the matter.

His formal appointment remains subject to the completion of relevant rules, regulations and other mandatory requirements, the sources said.

Hamilton-Manns is a New Zealand aviation executive with nearly three decades of industry experience and has held senior positions at airlines across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Oceania.

Who is Adrian Hamilton-Manns?

Hamilton-Manns has extensive experience in airline management, including more than eight years in CEO roles and a long track record in the low-cost aviation sector. He most recently led Oman’s SalamAir and previously headed Kazakhstan-based FlyArystan, alongside earlier roles at major international airlines.

Hamilton-Manns was appointed CEO of Oman-based low-cost carrier SalamAir in June 2024. He remained in the role until October 1, 2026, when Yaqoob Al Kiyumi took over as chief executive.

Before joining SalamAir, Hamilton-Manns served as CEO of FlyArystan, the low-cost subsidiary of Air Astana Group.

He joined FlyArystan in 2020 and remained with the airline until the end of May 2024. Air Astana said at the time that he had resigned to return to South Africa to spend more time with his family.

His earlier career included senior roles at South African Airways, IndiGo, Qatar Airways, Pacific Blue, Tiger Airways and aviation technology company Radixx.

The potential leadership change comes after management control of PIA was transferred in June to the investor consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation following the first closing of the airline’s privatization transaction.

Hamilton-Manns’ appointment would be finalized only after the required procedures and formalities are completed, according to the sources.