Air Karachi, Pakistan’s upcoming private airline, has initiated talks with the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) to acquire commercial aircraft as it readies for the launch of its flight operations. The company, backed by 100 prominent Pakistani entrepreneurs, was launched in November 2024 with a seed investment of Rs5 billion (approximately $17.6 million).
In an exclusive statement to Arab News, Hanif Gohar, Chairman of Air Karachi, confirmed that the airline is in active negotiations with COMAC for the C919 aircraft, a Chinese-developed narrow-body airliner designed for short to medium-haul routes. Simultaneously, Air Karachi is exploring options with international aviation giants Boeing and Airbus to procure at least three passenger jets for its initial fleet.
“We are holding discussions with COMAC over the C919 and also talking to Boeing and Airbus,” said Gohar. “The final decision will depend on which supplier meets our operational needs first. We aim to start flights as soon as we sign an agreement.”
The emergence of Air Karachi comes at a time when the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), continues to grapple with financial and operational setbacks. With PIA being a significant burden on the government’s resources, efforts to privatize the airline have been reignited. In contrast, business leaders see an opportunity to create a financially sustainable and efficient alternative.
Air Karachi plans to begin operations with three aircraft operating domestic routes. Within its first year, the company intends to expand its fleet to seven aircraft, enabling it to commence international flights. Gohar anticipates that a deal with one of the aircraft manufacturers will be finalized within the coming month.
The airline recently secured a Regular Public Transport (RPT) license from Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), a crucial milestone that clears the path for the airline to commence commercial operations.
According to Gohar, Air Karachi is modeled after the successful launch of Air Sial—a private airline initiated by the business community of Sialkot, a city known for its manufacturing and export industries. Air Sial has grown steadily since its inception, providing a blueprint for private-sector-led aviation ventures in the country.
Business leaders behind Air Karachi are confident that their collective experience and financial backing will help build a commercially viable and service-focused airline. Their aim is to offer reliable, comfortable, and punctual air travel while contributing to Pakistan’s struggling aviation sector.
The development is seen as a strategic move to fill the market gap created by PIA’s declining performance and to offer the public a more dependable alternative for both domestic and international travel.
