Karachi’s business community has announced the creation of a new airline, ‘Air Karachi’. Businessman Hanif Gohar disclosed that the airline has been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), and they have submitted a license request to the federal government.
Air Karachi intends to lease three aircraft initially. The company has appointed Retired Air Vice Marshal Imran, formerly of the Southern Command, as the CEO. Hanif Gohar shared that the airline is launching with an investment of Rs 5 billion, with each shareholder contributing Rs 50 million.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), several new airlines were contemplating operations across various Pakistani cities in September 2024.
New local airlines such as Jet Green, Q Airways, and Go Green Air had previously sought licenses and permits from the CAA. Additionally, Air Indus has approached the CAA to resume its flight operations. Q Aviation and Liberty Air are also pursuing CAA licenses to initiate flight operations in Pakistan.
CAA officials have highlighted that the surge in license applications is a positive indicator for the country’s economy. The entry of new airlines is expected to enhance passenger travel options, boost foreign exchange in the aviation sector, and create new job opportunities. Three private companies, Airblue, SereneAir, and AirSial, are operational in Pakistan.
In May, the CAA released a six-month performance report for domestic airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The report, covering July to December 2023, placed PIA fourth in departure and arrival ratios at 89.32 percent, suggesting potential for further operational improvements.
