Small business jet takeoff
A domestic airline in Pakistan has applied for approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to start flights to smaller airports using low-capacity aircraft. This initiative aims to offer air travel options for passengers who currently depend on buses, trains, and cars for long-distance journeys across the country.
During a press conference on Monday, CAA Director General Nadir Shafi Dar discussed various issues related to Pakistan’s aviation sector. This was his first media briefing since the CAA’s restructuring into two divisions.
Dar announced that regular air services would soon be available at airports in smaller cities such as Sukkur, Multan, Faisalabad, and Sialkot, as well as more remote areas like Gwadar, Gilgit, and Skardu.
The airline has requested permission to operate small aircraft on these routes, with plans to start flights for 40 to 50 passengers by early 2025. Initially, at least three small aircraft will be deployed, with services expected to commence in the second quarter of 2025.
Dar expressed hope that other airlines would also launch similar services, enhancing air connectivity for primary and secondary airports nationwide. He noted that around 30 million passengers travel from the North to the South each year by land, suggesting that if the airline offers competitive fares, the new routes could be financially successful.
Additionally, he provided an update on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), stating that an audit of its aircraft has begun due to recent technical issues.