Pakistan’s Air Karachi granted licence for passenger flights

The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority has granted a regular passenger transport licence to Air Karachi, marking a key step in the airline’s journey toward launching operations. The licence allows the start-up to continue preparations for entry into the commercial aviation market, with the next milestone being the acquisition of an air operator’s certificate, which is required to commence scheduled flights.

Air Karachi’s promoters successfully met the regulatory authority’s requirements, including capital adequacy, aircraft acquisition plans, corporate ownership transparency, safety protocols, and environmental compliance. The approval signals that the airline is structurally and financially prepared to proceed with the next phase of certification.

Local media reports suggest Air Karachi aims to begin domestic operations in the near future, with international expansion planned later. However, the airline still needs to finalize aircraft leases and secure its AOC before flights can begin.

As previously reported by ch-aviation, Air Karachi is backed by a consortium of Karachi-based business leaders and investors. The group is led by Atif Ikram Sheikh, president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The investors have pledged PKR5 billion, approximately USD17.7 million, in start-up capital to support the airline’s initial operations.

Air Karachi plans to lease three aircraft as it launches operations. Its business model is reportedly inspired by the success of AirSial, a regional airline launched in 2020 that has since grown to include international services. If all regulatory approvals are completed as expected, Air Karachi could join Pakistan’s domestic airline market soon.

Related News: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com