Latest news with #AirSial
Arab News
a day ago
- Business
- Arab News
New Karachi-based private airline receives license, plans launch with three aircraft
KARACHI: A new private airline based in Karachi received its Regular Public Transport (RPT) license from Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) last week, one of its key stakeholders confirmed on Monday, expressing hope the carrier would begin operations soon. Air Karachi, spearheaded by prominent business leaders from Pakistan's southern port city, is modeled after the success of Air Sial, another airline launched by industrialists in Sialkot. The idea, conceived amid growing challenges faced by the country's national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), is to develop a business-backed airline that can operate with efficiency and financial autonomy. 'Yes, we got the license from CAA,' Hanif Gohar, one of the airline's shareholders, told Arab News. 'We are looking for aircraft and will start with three aircraft soon.' Gohar said Air Karachi was issued the RPT license by the CAA on June 5. According to a copy of the approval letter seen by Arab News, the airline has been directed to deposit a license issuance fee of Rs500,000 ($1,750) and a security deposit of Rs100 million ($350,000). It must also raise its paid-up capital to Rs600 million ($2.1 million) before commencing operations, in line with the National Aviation Policy 2023. Air Karachi has been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan and plans to raise Rs5 billion ($17.5 million) by pooling Rs50 million ($175,000) from each of its 100 shareholders. Last year, Gohar told Arab News the response from Karachi's business community was so overwhelming that some families proposed contributing as multiple shareholders. He informed that aviation veteran Air Vice Marshal (r) Imran Qadir had been appointed chief operating officer of the airline, supported by a team of retired Pakistan Air Force officials. Once operational, Air Karachi will begin domestic flights with three aircraft and later expand its fleet to seven before launching international flights to the Middle East after the mandatory one-year domestic run.
Business Recorder
03-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
AirSial commences ‘Islamabad to Dubai' flight
KARACHI: AirSial has commenced its international flight operations, connecting Islamabad directly to Dubai. According to the details, the flight PF784 departed Islamabad International Airport at 11:34 AM local time, carrying 137 passengers on the historic journey that marks AirSial's expansion beyond domestic routes. The spokesman Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said that authority oversaw the successful launch, demonstrating the country's commitment to supporting private sector growth in aviation. The significance of the launch was underscored by a formal ceremony held in the Business Class area of Islamabad International Airport's Check-in Zone 1. Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif served as chief guest, joined by senior officials including Defence Secretary Lt. Gen. Muhammad Ali HI (M), Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority Director General Nadir Shafi Dar, and Chief Operating Officer Aftab Gilani. The Dubai route represents a strategic choice for AirSial's international debut, connecting Pakistan's capital with one of the region's major business and travel hubs. The United Arab Emirates remains a key destination for Pakistani travellers, both for business and leisure purposes. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab News
02-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan's Air Sial launches inaugural flight to UAE
ISLAMABAD: Air Sial, a Pakistani private airline, has launched its first flight to the United Arab Emirates, it said on Monday, in a significant development for the Pakistani aviation industry. Inaugurated in 2020 by the Sialkot Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the airline initially aimed to improve air travel to and from Pakistan's Sialkot city, a major industrial hub in the eastern Punjab province. Over the years, Air Sial has expanded its operations not just countrywide, but to countries in the Gulf region and uses a fleet of modern Airbus A320 aircraft. 'Pakistan Airports Authority successfully facilitated and supervised the launch of Air Sial's inaugural international flight (PF784) from Islamabad International Airport to Dubai,' Air Sial said on Monday, adding the flight departed around 11:34am with 137 passengers aboard. Air Sial's domestic network includes major cities like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Sialkot, Quetta and Multan. The airline entered the international market in March 2023 with the launch of its inaugural flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It also flies to Riyadh, Madinah and Dammam. Air Sial extended its international reach the same year in June by launching direct flights from Pakistan to Oman. Late last month, the state-run Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) also resumed direct flights between Dubai and Pakistan's mountainous Skardu district in a bid to boost tourism.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Is this the standard?' Pakistani actress Hina Khawaja Bayat blasts Air Sial; Questions Shahbaz Sharif Government on Nuclear Test anniversary
Veteran Pakistani actress and social commentator has spoken out about the worsening quality of public and private services in Pakistan. She shared her recent frustrating experience at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport and with the local airline Air Sial. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Hina Bayat Voices Frustration on National Day On Youm-e-Takbeer, Pakistan's national day celebrating its nuclear achievements, Bayat took to Instagram to share her frustration over the poor conditions at one of the country's busiest airports. She highlighted the lack of basic facilities, especially no water and poor upkeep. Known for her insightful commentary and activism on social issues, Hina Bayat used her platform once again to call for better governance and services that truly serve the people, urging both reflection and action. 'Youm-e-Takbeer – a public holiday, a day of celebration of a national achievement, has sadly turned into one of disappointment,' she wrote. Sharp Criticism of Air Sial and Government Neglect The actress didn't hold back, openly questioning why the nation remains silent and accepting despite the worsening quality of services. 'Why have we as a nation become so accepting of poor service, poor systems, poor management, poor maintenance, and unending system & institutional damage?' she said. Bayat criticized Air Sial for poor management but didn't share the exact problems she experienced. A Call for Accountability and Change Her words reflect the increasing frustration of many people who regularly face delays and neglect from both public and private services. She called for accountability and reform: 'Because we always try and justify the wrongs and prioritise useless endeavours instead of focusing on the everyday basic needs of the common citizen. It's time we take responsibility & fix things before declaring celebrations!'
Express Tribune
23-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt says 25,698 to perform Hajj under private quota this year
Listen to article Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf announced on Friday that about 25,698 pilgrims will be able to perform Hajj this year under the private scheme. This sharp reduction follows thousands of revoked slots due to private operators' failure to comply with Saudi Arabia's booking rules and deadlines. Saudi Arabia had allocated Pakistan a total Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims for 2025. Traditionally, this quota is split evenly between the government and private sectors. However, the private sector's share dropped drastically from 89,801 to just over 25,000 after failing to meet procedural requirements set by Saudi authorities, leaving more than 67,000 prospective pilgrims affected. Yousaf said during a press conference that by February 14, only 3,600 pilgrims had submitted payments, but after a one-week extension, the number rose to 13,000. Read more: Funds for 67,000 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims sent to wrong account He also noted that while 904 private Hajj operators were registered with Saudi authorities based on the ministry's list, many pilgrims made payments to unregistered operators, ignoring official guidelines. A committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will investigate the issue, Yousaf added. He confirmed that Pakistani pilgrims would be transported by Pakistan International Airlines, Saudi Airlines, Air Sial, Airblue, and Serene Air. Earlier this month, the ministry urged pilgrims to verify the authenticity of private tour operators before making payments and to rely only on the ministry's official channels to avoid fraud. Some registered private operators also failed to meet Saudi deadlines for payment, prompting Premier Sharif to secure an extension, which was granted. The Hajj pilgrimage is expected to take place between June 4 and June 9. Nearly 89,000 Pakistanis are set to travel under the government scheme, with Pakistan's Hajj flight operation having started on April 29. So far, 55,642 pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia via 244 flights.
