Pakistani airline Air Karachi engaged in negotiations with a Chinese aircraft manufacturer, aiming to procure planes as it prepares for the resumption of flights.
In the heart of Pakistan's southern port city, a group of leading businessmen have spearheaded the launch of a new private airline, Air Karachi, in November 2024. The airline was born out of a need to create an efficient and financially independent carrier, in response to the challenges faced by the state-run Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) which has become a liability for the cash-strapped government.
Air Karachi plans to start its flight operations as soon as it reaches an agreement with any of the suppliers. Among the contenders are COMAC, Boeing, and Airbus, with the Chinese manufacturer being a strong consideration due to the affordability and faster delivery of its C919 jet. The C919, a narrowbody aircraft seating 158 to 192 passengers, is seen as an attractive option for a startup airline because the leasing costs are reportedly about half those of comparable Boeing and Airbus models, enabling fare prices potentially up to 40% lower than current market rates.
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority has no regulatory objection to operating Chinese-built aircraft, though the C919’s limited certification outside China could affect operational flexibility. Air Karachi aims to finalize its aircraft decision within a month, preferring whichever supplier can deliver first. The initial fleet will start with three aircraft, expanding to four to support international routes soon after launch.
Air Karachi has received its Regular Public Transport (RPT) license from Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority and is actively negotiating with COMAC, Boeing, and Airbus. The airline initially plans to operate three aircraft domestically, with four more added for international flights within a year. The timeline for the start of Air Karachi's operations remains dependent on when an agreement is reached with a supplier.
The business model for Air Karachi has been inspired by the success of Air Sial, another private carrier launched by industrialists in Sialkot. The government is making a second attempt to privatize the national carrier, with business leaders in Pakistan stepping up to fill the gap left by PIA's struggles.
Gohar, a business tycoon, expects a deal with an aircraft supplier within the next month. Air Karachi was launched with Rs5 billion ($17.6 million) in seed money by 100 stakeholders, and the airline aims to create a new era of affordable and efficient air travel in Pakistan.
- Air Karachi, inspired by the success of Air Sial, was initiated by a group of businessmen in Pakistan's southern port city, aiming to revolutionize the air travel industry with a pioneering private airline, Air Karachi.
- The airline, currently in negotiations with COMAC, Boeing, and Airbus for their aircraft, is considering the C919 from the Chinese manufacturer due to its affordability and faster delivery, allowing for potentially lower fare prices compared to the market rates.
- The C919, a narrowbody aircraft seating 158 to 192 passengers, is attractive to start-up airlines like Air Karachi due to its alleged leasing costs being approximately half those of comparable Boeing and Airbus models.
- Despite potential regulatory challenges and limited certification outside China, Air Karachi aims to make an informed decision concerning its aircraft within a month, prioritizing the supplier who can expedite delivery of the aircraft.
- With an initial investment of Rs5 billion ($17.6 million) from 100 stakeholders, Air Karachi plans to commence domestic operations with three aircraft, expanding to four for international routes shortly, fostering the promise of affordable and efficient air travel in Pakistan.
