K2 Airways
In a significant move to further enhance trade relations between Pakistan and China, K2 Airways has signed a landmark agreement with a Chinese state-owned Development and Logistics Group to operate direct cargo flights between Karachi and Kashgar.
The agreement was formalized during a high-profile ceremony held at a local hotel in Karachi. Sindh Minister for Industries and Commerce, Jam Ikramullah Dharejo, attended the event as the chief guest, alongside officials from the Chinese consulate and other dignitaries.
According to the agreement, K2 Airways will commence its cargo flight operations at the end of this month. The new route will connect Karachi to Kashgar via Lahore, initially operating three cargo flights per week.
The airline has plans to increase the frequency of flights and expand its cargo services to other major cities in China once the network is well-established.
Speaking at the event, Minister Dharejo highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative, stating, “Pakistan and China are brotherly countries with strong ties, especially under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.”
He noted that K2 Airways would be the first airline from Pakistan to operate direct cargo flights to China, calling it a milestone in bilateral trade development.
Dharejo also mentioned that Chinese buyers have shown considerable interest in Pakistani seafood, and these flights will offer a timely and efficient transportation solution. He added that China is also keen on exporting IT products to Pakistan, making the cargo route mutually beneficial for both nations.
A representative from the Chinese logistics company emphasized Kashgar’s role as a crucial trade hub in China and expressed optimism that the collaboration would soon expand to include other Chinese cities.
K2 Airways CEO Tariq Majeed Raja shared that the cargo flights will be used to export fruits and vegetables from Pakistan to China, while e-commerce goods from China will be imported into Pakistan via the same route.
K2 Airways, backed by UAE-based Pakistani businessmen and professionals, is the first airline in Pakistan to introduce Embraer E-Jets for commercial use.
The company aims to modernize the country’s aviation landscape by linking under-utilized and smaller airports to major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, ultimately making air travel more accessible and efficient for local travelers.
With a vision rooted in innovation and driven by young professionals, the airline aspires to become a digitally advanced and technologically equipped aviation entity in Pakistan, laying the groundwork for improved trade logistics and regional connectivity.
