Pakistan International Airline (PIA)  began operations as Orient Airways on October 29, 1946, in Calcutta, India, before shifting to the newly established state of Pakistan in 1947. In 1955, it was nationalised and merged with another airline to form Pakistan International Airlines Corporation.

In 1955, the airline began international operations to London via Cairo and Rome. PIA was the first non-communist airline to travel to China, as well as the first Asian airline to buy a jet aircraft, a Boeing 707.

Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) is owned by the government of Pakistan (87%) and private owners (13%). The Aviation Division is in charge of the airline. The airline is managed by the President and CEO, as well as the board of directors.

Within Pakistan, PIA maintains a cargo delivery system. PIA Cargo transports cargo both within Pakistan and to international locations. Meat and vegetables, textiles, paper products, laboratory equipment, and postal letters are among them.