Karachi businessmen get license for Air Karachi

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has granted a regular public transport license to Air Karachi, a new airline backed by the city’s top business leaders, with operations expected to commence within two months.

Regulatory Approval and Financial Requirements

The CAA issued the license after receiving approval from the Ministry of Defense. According to aviation sources:

• “The CEO of Air Karachi Limited has been directed to deposit Rs 100 million as a security deposit and Rs 500,000 as a license fee.”
• The airline must also submit SECP documentation, bank statements, and a chartered accountant’s certificate verifying paid-up capital.

Prominent Investors Behind the Venture

Air Karachi’s founding shareholders represent Karachi’s financial elite, including:

1. Aqeel Karim Dhedhi (AKD Group)
2. Arif Habib (Arif Habib Limited)
3. Bashir Jan Muhammad
4. Khalid Tawab
5. Zubair Tufail
6. Hanif Gohar
7. Hamza Tabani

Each investor has contributed Rs50 million in initial funding, with plans for additional investment rounds.

Operational Timeline

While regulatory hurdles have been cleared, aviation sources indicate:

• “The new airline will need another 2 months to start flights.”
• Preparations include fleet acquisition, staff hiring, and route planning.

Market Implications

The launch will:

• Introduce competition in Pakistan’s aviation sector
• Potentially lower fares on domestic routes
• Create jobs in aviation and related industries

Air Karachi’s entry comes as Pakistan’s air travel market rebounds post-pandemic, with passenger numbers steadily increasing across existing carriers.

Key Facts Box:

• Airline Name: Air Karachi
• License Type: Regular Public Transport
• Security Deposit: Rs100 million
• License Fee: Rs500,000
• Founding Investors: 7 Karachi business leaders
• Initial Investment: Rs50 million per shareholder
• Projected Launch: 2 months

The airline’s establishment marks the most significant new entry in Pakistan’s aviation industry since SereneAir’s launch in 2017. Industry analysts will closely watch its fleet strategy and route network development in coming weeks.