Air Karachi seeks approval from govt to launch flight service

The business community of Karachi submitted an application to obtain a license for the newly proposed Air Karachi airline, formally initiating the process to launch the flight service, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) told the media.

Karachi-based businessman Hanif Gohar, while speaking to a local news channel, stated that the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has registered the airline, and an application for its license has been sent to the federal government.

He further disclosed that the airline plans to lease three aircraft initially. Southern Command Air Marshal Imran has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company.

Prominent businessmen, including Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Arif Habib, and SM Tanveer, are the shareholders of Air Karachi. The airline is being launched with an investment of Rs 5 billion, with each shareholder owning Rs50 million worth of shares.

Hanif Gohar also named other notable shareholders, including Bashir Jan Muhammad, Khalid Tawab, Zubair Tufail, and Hamza Tabani, who are backing the ambitious project.

Air Karachi is expected to receive government approval shortly, after which the airline will officially launch operations.

Earlier, CAA officials highlighted an increase in applications for airline licenses from various entities, describing it as a positive sign for Pakistan’s economy.

The surge in private airline initiatives is expected to boost foreign exchange earnings, generate employment opportunities, and expand the aviation sector.

Currently, Pakistan has three major private airlines, including Airblue, AirSial, and SereneAir, operating alongside the national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).