Air Karachi, a new private airline, has received its Regular Public Transport (RPT) license from Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), with plans to begin operations soon, according to a key stakeholder.
The airline, backed by prominent business leaders from Karachi, aims to provide a more efficient and financially autonomous alternative to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
Hanif Gohar, one of the shareholders of Air Karachi, confirmed the issuance of the RPT license on June 5 and stated that the airline plans to start with three aircraft. “Yes, we got the license from CAA,” Gohar told Arab News, adding that the airline was in the process of acquiring aircraft.
The airline has been directed to deposit a Rs500,000 ($1,750) license issuance fee and a security deposit of Rs100 million ($350,000). Additionally, it is required to raise its paid-up capital to Rs600 million ($2.1 million) before commencing operations, in accordance with the National Aviation Policy 2023.
Air Karachi has already registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan and plans to raise Rs5 billion ($17.5 million) by pooling Rs50 million ($175,000) from each of its 100 shareholders. The airline’s concept was inspired by the success of Air Sial, a similar business-backed airline in Sialkot.
Aviation veteran Air Vice Marshal (r) Imran Qadir has been appointed as the airline’s chief operating officer, supported by a team of retired Pakistan Air Force officials.
Once operational, Air Karachi plans to start domestic flights with three aircraft and eventually expand its fleet to seven. The airline intends to launch international flights to the Middle East after completing a mandatory one-year period of domestic operations.
