Air Karachi Officially Secures Passenger Transport Licence in Pakistan

Key Takeaways

• Air Karachi received its Passenger Transport Licence from PCAA on June 5, 2025, enabling domestic flights.
• The airline raised Rs5 billion capital and must have Rs600 million paid-up capital before operations.
• Led by retired Air Vice Marshal Syed Imran Majid Ali, Air Karachi plans future international expansion.

On June 5, 2025, Air Karachi reached a major milestone in Pakistan’s aviation sector by securing its Passenger Transport Licence from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). This licence, officially called the Regular Public Transport (RPT) licence, allows Air Karachi to operate scheduled passenger flights within Pakistan 🇵🇰. The move is set to reshape the country’s domestic air travel market, bringing new choices for travelers, creating jobs, and signaling renewed confidence in private sector investment.

Let’s break down what this means for passengers, investors, employees, and the broader aviation industry, using simple language and clear explanations.

Air Karachi’s Licence: What Happened and Why It Matters

Air Karachi, a new airline backed by some of Karachi’s most prominent business leaders, has been officially cleared to start domestic passenger flights. The PCAA, which is the main government body that oversees aviation in Pakistan 🇵🇰, issued the RPT licence after Air Karachi completed all the required steps. This includes registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), raising enough money, and passing strict safety and operational checks.

Key Details:
– Licence Issued: June 5, 2025
– Licence Type: Regular Public Transport (RPT) Licence
– Regulator: Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA)
– Initial Operations: Domestic flights only, with three leased aircraft
– International Flights: Planned for the future, after expanding the fleet and getting more approvals

This development is important because it brings a new player into a market that has long been dominated by the national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), and a few private airlines. More competition usually means better service and lower prices for travelers.

How Air Karachi Got Its Passenger Transport Licence

Getting a Passenger Transport Licence in Pakistan 🇵🇰 is a detailed process with several steps. Here’s how Air Karachi did it:

1. Business Plan Submission: Air Karachi had to submit a full business plan to the PCAA. This plan explained how the airline would operate, how it would keep passengers safe, and how it would stay financially healthy.
2. Regulatory Checks: The PCAA and SECP checked all the documents and made sure Air Karachi met every rule. This included background checks on the airline’s leaders and a review of its finances.
3. Raising Capital: The airline raised an initial investment of Rs5 billion (about $17.5 million). Each of the 100 founding shareholders contributed Rs50 million (about $175,000).
4. Paying Fees: Air Karachi paid a licence issuance fee of Rs500,000 (about $1,750) and a security deposit of Rs100 million (about $350,000).
5. Meeting Capital Requirements: Before starting flights, Air Karachi must have a paid-up capital of Rs600 million (about $2.1 million), as required by the National Aviation Policy 2023.
6. Licence Issuance: After meeting all requirements, the PCAA issued the RPT licence on June 5, 2025.

For more details on the official process, you can visit the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority’s website.

Who’s Behind Air Karachi?

Air Karachi is not just another airline. It’s led by experienced aviation professionals and backed by some of the most respected business figures in Karachi. This strong leadership and financial support give the airline a solid foundation.

Key People and Groups:
– CEO: Retired Air Vice Marshal Syed Imran Majid Ali (sometimes called Imran Qadir in news reports), who previously served as a senior commander in the Pakistan Air Force.
– Chief Operating Officer: Air Vice Marshal (r) Imran Qadir, a veteran in aviation management.
– Founding Shareholders: Business leaders like Aqeel Karim Dhedhi (AKD Group), Arif Habib (Arif Habib Limited), Bashir Jan Muhammad, Khalid Tawab, Zubair Tufail, Hanif Gohar, and Hamza Tabani.
– Industry Support: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), led by Atif Ikram Sheikh, has publicly supported Air Karachi, calling it a model for economic self-reliance.

What Does This Mean for Passengers and the Market?

More Choices and Lower Fares
With Air Karachi entering the market, passengers will have more airlines to choose from. This usually leads to better service and lower ticket prices, as airlines compete for customers.

Better Service
Air Karachi has promised to follow strict safety and service standards. The involvement of retired Air Force officials is seen as a positive sign, as they bring discipline and experience to the airline’s operations.

Job Creation
The launch of Air Karachi is expected to create new jobs, not just for pilots and cabin crew, but also for ground staff, maintenance workers, and people in related industries.

Economic Growth
The fact that Karachi’s top business leaders are investing in Air Karachi shows strong confidence in the country’s aviation sector. This could encourage more private investment and help the economy grow.

Regulatory and Policy Background

National Aviation Policy 2023
Air Karachi’s operations are guided by the National Aviation Policy 2023. This policy sets out the rules for new airlines, including how much money they need to raise, what safety standards they must meet, and how they should operate.

No Special Policy Changes for Air Karachi
There have been no special changes to aviation policy just for Air Karachi. However, the government is working on broader reforms, including plans to privatize PIA and make the aviation sector more open to private investment.

Airspace Reopened
Recently, Pakistan 🇵🇰 reopened its airspace for all flights after a ceasefire with India 🇮🇳. This is good news for all airlines, including Air Karachi, because it means fewer delays and more direct routes.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Passenger Transport Licence in Pakistan 🇵🇰

If you’re interested in how airlines like Air Karachi get started, here’s a simple breakdown:

• Prepare a Business Plan: Explain how the airline will operate, keep passengers safe, and stay financially stable.
• Register the Company: Complete all legal registrations with the SECP.
• Raise Capital: Collect enough money from investors to meet the minimum requirements.
• Submit Application to PCAA: Provide all documents, including the business plan, proof of capital, and details about the management team.
• Undergo Regulatory Checks: The PCAA and SECP review everything to make sure the airline meets all rules.
• Pay Required Fees: This includes the licence fee and a security deposit.
• Receive Licence: If everything is in order, the PCAA issues the RPT licence.
• Start Operations: The airline can now begin flights, starting with domestic routes.

Impacts on Stakeholders

Passengers
– More options for travel within Pakistan 🇵🇰
– Potential for lower fares as airlines compete
– Improved service due to higher standards

Employees
– New job opportunities in aviation and related fields
– Training and career growth with a new airline

Business Community
– Increased connectivity for business travel
– Confidence in private sector investment

Regulators
– Demonstrates the effectiveness of the National Aviation Policy 2023
– Encourages more private airlines to enter the market

Competitors
– Existing airlines will need to improve their services to keep up
– Other new airlines like Jet Green, Q Airways, and Go Green Air are also seeking approval, making the market more dynamic

Background: Pakistan’s Aviation Sector

Pakistan’s aviation industry has faced many challenges in recent years. The national carrier, PIA, has struggled with financial problems and safety concerns. The government has announced plans to privatize PIA and other loss-making companies, hoping to attract more private investment.

The success of AirSial, another airline started by business leaders in Sialkot, showed that private airlines can do well in Pakistan 🇵🇰. This inspired the creation of Air Karachi, which aims to bring similar benefits to the country’s largest city.

Geopolitical tensions with India 🇮🇳 recently led to airspace closures, causing delays and longer routes for flights. The reopening of airspace after a ceasefire has removed a major obstacle for airlines, making it easier for new entrants like Air Karachi to operate smoothly.

Future Plans and Outlook

Domestic Focus First
Air Karachi will start by serving domestic routes, especially cities that don’t have enough flights or are important for business travel.

International Expansion
After at least one year of domestic operations and once the fleet grows to seven aircraft, Air Karachi plans to start international flights, focusing first on the Middle East.

More Competition Ahead
With several new airlines seeking approval, competition in Pakistan’s aviation market is expected to increase. This should lead to better service, more choices, and possibly lower prices for passengers.

Long-Term Impact
If Air Karachi succeeds, it could encourage more private investment in the aviation sector, helping the economy grow and creating more jobs.

Key Facts and Figures at a Glance

Common Questions About Air Karachi

• When will flights start? Domestic flights are expected to begin soon. International flights will come after at least one year of domestic service and fleet expansion.
• Which cities will be served? The airline will focus on domestic routes, especially cities that need more flights and important business destinations.
• How will safety be ensured? Air Karachi is led by experienced aviation professionals and promises to follow strict safety and operational standards.
• Will this affect ticket prices? More competition usually means lower fares and better service for passengers.
• Can I invest in Air Karachi? For now, investment is limited to the founding shareholders. Official contact details are not yet public.

Official Resources and Where to Get More Information

• Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA): For official rules and updates, visit the PCAA website.
• Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP): For company registration and legal requirements, see SECP’s official site.
• Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI): For business community updates, visit FPCCI’s website.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, Air Karachi’s successful licence application shows that Pakistan’s aviation sector is open to new entrants who meet strict safety, financial, and operational standards. The involvement of respected business leaders and experienced aviation professionals gives the airline a strong chance of success.

What’s Next for Air Karachi and Pakistan’s Aviation Sector?

Air Karachi’s entry into the market is a sign of positive change. It shows that private investment can play a big role in improving air travel in Pakistan 🇵🇰. As the airline prepares to launch, passengers can look forward to more choices, better service, and possibly lower fares. Employees and job seekers in the aviation industry can expect new opportunities. The government and regulators will watch closely to ensure that safety and service standards are maintained.

For anyone interested in the details of airline licensing or the future of air travel in Pakistan 🇵🇰, keeping an eye on Air Karachi’s progress will be important. The airline’s journey from securing its Passenger Transport Licence to launching flights could set the tone for the next chapter in Pakistan’s aviation story.

Actionable Takeaways

• Travelers: Watch for Air Karachi’s flight announcements for new options and possibly better prices.
• Job Seekers: Keep an eye on Air Karachi’s hiring plans as the airline prepares to launch.
• Investors: While public investment is not open yet, the success of Air Karachi may lead to more opportunities in the aviation sector.
• Industry Observers: Monitor how increased competition affects service quality and fares in Pakistan 🇵🇰.

For the latest updates on Air Karachi’s operations and the rules for airline licensing, always refer to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority’s official website.

Learn Today

Passenger Transport Licence → Official permission to operate scheduled flights carrying passengers within Pakistan’s regulated airspace.
Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) → Government body regulating aviation safety, licensing, and operations in Pakistan.
Regular Public Transport (RPT) Licence → Type of licence allowing airlines to operate regular passenger flights domestically or internationally.
Paid-up Capital → The amount of money invested and officially contributed by shareholders to fund airline operations.
Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) → Regulatory authority overseeing company registration and corporate governance in Pakistan.

This Article in a Nutshell

Air Karachi secured its Passenger Transport Licence on June 5, 2025, opening Pakistan’s domestic aviation market to more competition, jobs, and improved services backed by top business leaders.
— By VisaVerge.com