Air Karachi Officially Takes Off: All Set to Start Flights in 2026

Pakistan’s aviation industry is witnessing a major milestone with the official launch of Air Karachi (Private) Limited, the country’s newest private airline. The airline formally unveiled its brand identity and centralized maintenance and operations office at a high-profile Corporate Night held in Karachi.

The event marked the beginning of a new era in Pakistan’s air travel, bringing fresh energy and competition to the private aviation sector. Air Karachi is set to begin flight operations on March 23, 2026, following the successful completion of its operational setup and regulatory milestones.

Dignitaries and Industry Leaders Attend the Grand Launch

The inauguration was attended by a distinguished lineup of guests, including officials from the Ministry of Defence, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), PIA, Police, and representatives from foreign embassies and the business community.

Among the notable attendees were:

• Lt Gen (R) Muhammad Ali, H.I.(M) — Chief Guest
• CEO PIAC Amir Hayat, H.I.(M)
• Rear Admiral Amir Mehmood, H.I.(M)
• AVM Nasir Jamaal Khattak, S.I.(M)
• DG PCAA Nadir Shafi Dar
• DG ASF Maj Gen Shoaib Akram, H.I.(M)
• President FPCCI Atif Ikram
• DG NAB Karachi Shakeel Durrani
• Senior diplomats from Qatar, Germany, and Russia

The ceremony also included representatives from leading Karachi-based business groups, including Gohar Group, Westbury Group, Tufail Chemicals, Tawab Group, Imtiaz Super Market, FPCCI, AKD Group, and FCM Travel Solutions — all of whom form the airline’s founding shareholder base.

Vision, Strategy, and Partnerships

Air Vice Marshal (R) Syed Imran Majid Ali, H.I.(M), CEO of Air Karachi, outlined the company’s vision for safe, efficient, and value-driven air travel, emphasizing its commitment to employment generation and aviation ecosystem development in Pakistan.

The airline has already received its Regular Public Transport (RPT) license from the PCAA, marking a key regulatory milestone. Moreover, an MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) agreement has been signed with PIA, ensuring high operational reliability and technical excellence.

“Air Karachi is a business-led, mission-driven airline. With our RPT licence in hand and strong partnerships in place, we are building an operation that puts safety, efficiency, and service at its core,”
said AVM (R) Syed Imran Majid Ali, CEO of Air Karachi.

Mr. Muhammad Hanif Gohar, Chairman of Gohar Group, added:

“This is a proud Karachi story with national impact. Our shareholders represent the city’s most dynamic enterprises, united to create a new standard in Pakistani aviation.”

Brand Unveiling and Future Outlook

The airline’s brand logo, symbolizing ambition, unity, and excellence, was unveiled by Ms. Laiba Gohar, the creative lead behind Air Karachi’s identity. The evening concluded with the ribbon-cutting of the new office, a networking dinner, and acknowledgment of Meezan Bank for its collaboration toward the airline’s vision.

The launch of Air Karachi signals renewed optimism for Pakistan’s private aviation sector, with promises of innovation, job creation, and improved passenger experiences. As the airline prepares to take to the skies in March 2026, expectations are high for its contribution to national connectivity and economic growth.

Afsheen Gohar

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