Air Indus (MPK, Karachi International) has entered into talks with an undisclosed party concerning the dry-lease of three 2004-vintage A320-200s the Pakistan Tribune has reported.

The additional aircraft will allow the domestic carrier to expand into the Saudi Arabian and Middle Eastern markets as Pakistani law requires all international operators to maintain a fleet of at least five aircraft.

Air Indus was granted a two-year grace period allowing it to continue operating its ageing fleet of four B737-300s, only two of which are operational. One of the jets was damaged during the 2014 Tehrik-i-Taliban attack on Karachi International airport.