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Air Karachi gets approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for operations as the new private airline prepares to begin commercial flights, aiming to provide financially independent, business-backed air travel from Pakistan’s largest city.
The CAA granted Air Karachi its Regular Public Transport (RPT) license on June 5, allowing the carrier to start formal preparations for domestic services.
The airline’s business model mirrors that of Air Sial, another successful private venture. Air Karachi is led by prominent Karachi-based businessmen and plans to launch operations with three aircraft.
Key stakeholder Hanif Gohar confirmed the development, adding that they are actively seeking suitable aircraft and plan to begin flying as soon as operational clearances are completed.
Under Pakistan’s National Aviation Policy 2023, Air Karachi must fulfill several conditions, including depositing Rs500,000 as a license issuance fee and Rs100 million as a security deposit.
The airline also needs to increase its paid-up capital to Rs600 million before launching. Its broader funding plan includes raising Rs5 billion from 100 investors contributing Rs50 million each.
Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the airline will be operationally led by retired Air Vice Marshal Imran Qadir as chief operating officer.
Air Karachi’s initial focus will be domestic routes, with a fleet of three aircraft expanding to seven. After one year, the airline aims to launch international flights, starting with Middle Eastern destinations.
With the national carrier PIA facing persistent challenges, Air Karachi’s business-driven approach aims to offer reliable, independent services to meet Pakistan’s growing aviation demand.
