Business Desk 
Nov 01, 2025
In an effort to strengthen the country's aviation industry, Pakistan's newest airline, Air Karachi, has formally inaugurated its operations office with a launch event at the old Karachi Airport on Saturday.
The ceremony was attended by high-profile individuals, including the Board of Directors, diplomats, shareholders, PIA CEO Amir Hayat, and Director General of Civil Aviation Nadir Shafiq.
At the event, Air Karachi Chairman Hanif Gohar shared that 42 businessmen joined forces to start the airline. After submitting his initial application for an airline licence in 2009, he thought back on the arduous process of turning this dream into a reality.
"We are proud to carry Karachi's name, and today our dream is being fulfilled," Gohar remarked. He emphasised that "Karachi's businessmen are at the heart of Pakistan's economy," saying that "the country's economic engine would grind to a halt without them."
Pakistan's Secretary of Defence Lieutenant General (Retd) Muhammad Ali praised the initiative, saying, "Some airlines came but couldn't survive, while others are still providing services today."
He also acknowledged that starting an airline is a difficult and technical undertaking. He praised Air Karachi's collaboration with PIA's engineering branch and promised the new business full government support.
The airline has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PIA for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services, according to the airline's CEO, AVM (Retd) Syed Imran Majid.
Additionally, the air service is in talks with other airlines and is currently in the process of purchasing three A320 aircraft.
Air Karachi has obtained its Regular Public Transport (RPT) licence and plans to start domestic flights with three aircraft after the mandatory one-year period, then expand its fleet to seven and begin international flights to the Middle East.
