The business community of Karachi has announced the launch of a new airline Air Karachi, with a promising initial investment of Rs 5 billion.
The news was revealed by prominent businessman Hanif Gohar during a media briefing at the Karachi Press Club on Tuesday, where he was joined by S M Tanveer, Chairman of the United Business Group.
Air Karachi to begin operations with 3 leased aircraft
The airline, which has already been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), aims to kick-start operations with a fleet of three leased aircraft. Gohar, the former Senior Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), confirmed that a request has been made to the federal government for the necessary license to operate. The license is expected to be granted soon.
During the briefing, Gohar emphasized that Karachi, being the economic hub of Pakistan, deserves an airline that caters to the city’s ever-growing business and travel needs. He also pointed to Air Sial’s success as an inspiration for the venture. “Following the example of Air Sial, Karachi’s business community has come together to establish Air Karachi, a project that will strengthen the city’s aviation connectivity,” Gohar stated.
Air Karachi aims to raise Rs5 billion from 100 shareholders
The shareholders behind this ambitious project include some of the city’s most influential business figures: Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Arif Habib, S M Tanveer, Shehryar Tahir, Bashir Jan Muhammad, Khalid Tawab, Zubair Tufail, and Hamza Tabani.
Air Karachi was inspired by Sialkot’s Air Sial, which was founded in 2017 and began operations in 2020 with an investment of Rs 10 million ($35,900) each from 300 local businessmen. Air Karachi plans to raise Rs 5 billion ($18 million) through contributions from 100 shareholders, each investing Rs 50 million ($180,000) in the venture.
The new airline has appointed retired Air Vice Marshal Imran Majid Ali, former Southern Commander of the Pakistan Air Force, as its CEO. With his extensive experience in aviation, Ali is expected to lead Air Karachi towards successful operations in the competitive market.
Air Karachi to compete with Pakistan’s growing airline market
This venture comes at a time when the aviation sector in Pakistan is witnessing a surge in new entrants. According to local media reports, several new airlines, including Jet Green, Q Airways, and Go Green Air, have recently sought approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to operate in the country. The influx of these airlines is expected to offer passengers more travel options, stimulate foreign exchange, and generate new employment opportunities.
Currently, the country is served by three major private airlines—Airblue, Serene Air, and Air Sial—which have been operating domestically for several years. However, with the launch of Air Karachi, the city’s business community is poised to further strengthen the aviation landscape.
As Air Karachi prepares to take to the skies, the eyes of the business and aviation sectors remain keenly fixed on its upcoming license approval and the promise of greater connectivity for Karachi’s dynamic business ecosystem.