ISLAMABAD: Emirati low-cost airline Air Arabia has entered into a joint venture with one of the leading business conglomerates to launch a budget-friendly airline in the South Asian country.
Reports in local media quoting sources within Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority said Fly Jinnah was granted the Regular Public Transport license around two months back and it has to make all operational arrangements and ensure the provision of aircraft within two years.
Prime Minister Imran Khan welcomed Air Arabia to Pakistan and wished them success. Taking it to his official handle, the premier shared a tweet cited “My government is committed to attracting investment in Pakistan’s burgeoning travel and tourism sector which offers immense opportunities.”
PM Office also shared a clip of his tweet followed on the heels of his meeting with the Chairman of Air Arabia.
A statement issued by Air Arabia cited “The addition of low-cost airline would boost travel and tourism sector in Pakistan and it will also contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth and job creation while providing Pakistanis with reliable and value for money air travel”.
Chairman of Air Arabia, Sheikh Abdullah nin Mohammed Al Thani, said Fly Jinnah will initially be based in Karachi serving a range of domestic routes across the South Asian country and then will enlarge its route internationally.
Meanwhile, International Air Transport Association said the air transport industry, including airlines and its supply chain – including the tourism spend – are estimated to support $3.3 billion of GDP in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Imran Khan in a tweet welcomed Air Arabia to Pakistan and wished the group success in establishing the new airline.
“My government is committed to attracting investment in Pakistan’s burgeoning travel & tourism sector which offers immense opportunities,” he wrote.
Let it be known that Air Arabia operates from Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE, and has similar joint ventures in Abu Dhabi, Egypt, Morocco, and Armenia. Its shares are listed on the Dubai Financial Market. The company has been pushing ahead to expand in the wake of the Covid pandemic last year as low-cost carriers bet on a post-pandemic surge in travel.
Jet Green Airline and Q-Airlines are also in line to secure an AOC certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan.
