Air Karachi is Pakistan’s newest private airline, officially launched on November 3, 2025, with plans to begin operations on March 23, 2026—coinciding with Pakistan Day. The airline received its Regular Public Transport (RPT) license from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, allowing it to operate domestic flights initially. Its leadership includes Air Vice Marshal (R) Syed Imran Majid Ali, H.I. (M), as CEO, and a consortium of prominent Karachi-based business leaders including Hanif Gohar, Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Arif Habib, and Khalid Tawab. The founding shareholders have collectively invested Rs 5 billion (approximately $17.5 million USD), with individual contributions of Rs 50 million (around $175,000 USD).
Air Karachi will begin with a fleet of three leased aircraft, all compliant with RPT requirements—under 18 years old and with at least 50% of their operating life remaining. Initial routes will connect major Pakistani cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, and Sukkur. After one year of successful domestic operations, the airline plans to expand internationally to destinations including Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Muscat, and the UAE.
To support its operations, Air Karachi has signed a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) agreement with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). It has also partnered with InteliSys Aviation to deploy the AmeliaRES cloud-based passenger service system, which will manage reservations, check-in, and boarding. Meezan Bank is serving as the airline’s financial partner.
The airline’s branding emphasizes ambition, unity, and excellence, with a logo unveiled by Laiba Gohar. CEO Imran Majid Ali stated that Air Karachi aims to deliver safe, efficient, and affordable air travel while contributing to employment and the growth of Pakistan’s aviation ecosystem. The launch event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, PCAA, PIA, and foreign embassies, signaling strong institutional support for the venture.
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