KARACHI: A coalition of leading entrepreneurs has announced the launch of Air Karachi, a new airline that will address the gaps in Pakistan’s commercial aviation sector, The News was mentioned.
The announcement was made on Thursday by Atif Ikram Sheikh, president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI).
The airline is a consortium comprising prominent business leaders and corporate investors, including FPCCI chairman Atif Ikram Sheikh as a major shareholder.
Key stakeholders include AKD Group Chairman Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Arif Habib Limited Chairman Arif Habib, Industrialist and Educationist Bashir Janmohammad, FPCCI Former President Zubair Tufail, FPCCI Former Senior Vice Presidents Hanif Gohar and Khalid Tawab, former president of PTIVMA and Umer Rehan and Chairman of the Tabani Group Hamza Tabani, among others.
Together, these industrialists aim to revitalize Pakistan’s aviation industry.
Sheikh revealed that the alliance has already committed to an initial seed investment of Rs 5 billion, with additional funds and funding to be arranged as needed for fleet expansion, infrastructure development, new domestic routes and international operations.
“This will be a truly transcontinental airline,” he remarked.
Air Karachi aims to start operations with three state-of-the-art leased aircraft for domestic flights, with the ultimate goal of reclaiming international routes where Pakistani carriers once thrived.
The FPCCI chief highlighted that Air Karachi has registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and plans to lease three state-of-the-art aircraft to start domestic operations.
The airline’s next phase will include international flights, aiming to reclaim lucrative routes once proudly operated by Pakistani carriers.
Sheikh said Air Karachi will prioritize operational and management efficiency to ensure profitability, rejecting practices such as profiteering or price gouging.
“This approach will deliver price competitiveness, value, growth and sustainability. We need to bring this model to Pakistan,” he added.
The airline will adhere to international best practices in management and aviation, including passenger safety, environmental standards, program reliability, in-flight services and pre- and post-flight customer care.
Sheikh explained that the initiative stemmed from the deteriorating situation of Pakistan’s national carrier and the lack of competitive, quality commercial airlines, which have adversely affected the country’s economy, tourism and international image.
He said: “Pakistan cannot attract significant foreign investment or tourism without an airline that meets international standards and operates with integrity.”
“Tourism alone has the potential to generate billions of dollars annually for the country,” he concluded.
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