Air Karachi, Pakistan’s new private airline, set to launch flight operation

Dubai: Air Karachi, Pakistan's new private airline, is set to launch domestic flight operations soon.

Air Karachi, headquartered in the country’s commercial capital, has officially received its Regular Public Transport (RPT) licence from the Civil Aviation Authority.

The airline is now cleared to begin domestic operations, with international flights on the horizon.

Fleet

Spearheaded by retired Air Vice Marshal Syed Imran Majid Ali, Air Karachi is set to launch with a fleet of three leased aircraft and an initial investment of Rs5 billion. Drawing inspiration from the business-backed success of AirSial, the new venture aims to enhance connectivity across Pakistan while laying the groundwork for global operations.

Elite business backing

Air Karachi boasts an impressive roster of investors from Karachi’s business elite. Founding shareholders include Aqeel Karim Dhedhi (AKD Group), Arif Habib (Arif Habib Limited), Bashir Jan Muhammad, Khalid Tawab, Zubair Tufail, Hanif Gohar, and Hamza Tabani. Each has committed Rs50 million in seed funding, with further investment rounds expected in the future, Travelsdubai.com reported.

CEO Syed Imran, formerly Southern Commander of the Pakistan Air Force, brings military-grade discipline and aviation leadership to the helm. The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), led by president Atif Ikram Sheikh, has endorsed the airline as a model for economic self-reliance and national progress.

A timely takeoff

Air Karachi’s entry comes amid growing interest from private investors in the aviation sector. Several new airlines, including Jet Green, Q Airways, and Go Green Air, have recently sought regulatory approval.

Air Karachi has completed all Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) registrations and regulatory checks. With operations expected to begin soon, the airline will initially focus on domestic routes, especially underserved cities and key business travel corridors. International expansion will follow in the second phase, subject to fleet growth and regulatory approvals.

The airline promises affordability, reliability, and customer-focused service as its core values. For a city that drives much of Pakistan’s economy, Karachi’s business leaders believe the time is right for a flagship airline that reflects the city's ambitions.