South Air to launch flight operations next month

South Air, a new domestic airline, is set to begin commercial flight operations next month with an initial fleet of two ATR aircraft, airline officials said on Wednesday.

Air Vice Marshal (retd) Ijaz Mahmood Malik, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of South Air, said the airline has completed regulatory requirements and received the necessary licence and commercial approvals for domestic operations from the aviation regulator.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Pakistan Travel Mart memorandum of understanding signing ceremony held in Karachi, Malik said the airline will initially operate flights from Karachi to cities in Sindh and Balochistan, including Sukkur and Quetta. The airline also plans to operate routes from Islamabad to Multan and several northern destinations.

According to Malik, South Air aims to adopt an operational model focused on connecting major urban centres with smaller cities.

He said the airline will initially operate two weekly flights on selected routes, with the frequency expected to increase gradually based on passenger demand.

The deputy CEO said the airline plans to expand its fleet by inducting three additional ATR aircraft by mid-year to support network growth and meet rising demand.

In addition to scheduled passenger services, South Air will also offer charter and cargo operations, he said.

Separately, Syed Muhammad Ali Hamdani, Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Travel Mart, said tourism in Pakistan is showing signs of growth but requires stronger public-private partnerships to attract more international visitors.

He said collaboration among government bodies, hospitality providers, logistics companies and tour operators could further strengthen the tourism sector and enhance its contribution to the national economy.