Shaheen Air adds new A319 aircraft to its fleet

Will receive three more Airbus aircraft this year


Our Correspondent May 03, 2017
The airline will receive three more A319s in the current calendar year. PHOTO: Twitter/@ShaheenAirline

KARACHI: Shaheen Air International (SAI), Pakistan's largest private airline, has inducted its fourth new A319 - a short-to-medium range aircraft - into its fleet this year in an effort to keep expanding operations on domestic and international routes, according to a statement issued on Wednesday.

The aircraft has the capacity to accommodate 150 passengers. The airline will receive three more A319s in the current calendar year.

The availability of more aircraft will help the air carrier expand its market. It has so far focused on the Far East in a bid to broaden its international business. It flies to seven domestic and 13 international destinations.

Shaheen Air does not need new licence, says court

Commenting on the occasion, SAI Chief Marketing Officer Zohaib Hassan said: "The addition of fourth Airbus to our fleet is a testament to our commitment to the passengers and the local aviation industry. Fleet expansion allows us to grow internationally by way of new routes while also increasing the frequency of local flights."

The airline began its journey as Pakistan's first private airline 24 years ago.

The development comes a few days after the airline was embroiled in a war of words with the regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority, over the renewal of its licence and payment of dues.

CAA warns Shaheen Air of suspension, wants clearance of dues

However, Shaheen Air issued a statement, saying that the Sindh High Court (SHC) suspended the CAA's order asking the airline to submit fresh documents for the renewal of its licence.

"SHC has specifically suspended the requirement of applying for fresh RPT [Regular Public Transport] licence … SAI was issued the licence 26 years ago," SAI said in a press statement. "SHC has ruled in favour of SAI."

Earlier, on April 24, the aviation authority had warned SAI that it would stop the air carrier's operations in 45 days if it failed to provide documents for renewing its long pending RPT licence.

The suspension or stay order given by the court came after the air carrier filed a petition, pleading the court's intervention in the matter.

COMMENTS (1)

FAROOQ KHAN | 6 years ago | Reply From B737 Originals to Airbus New Gen, Shaheen has grown and improved with a rate that is unparalleled in the history of Pakistani Aviation. In a disproportionately favourable environment for Gulf Aviation Giants, survival of airlines like Airblue and Shaheen itself is a feat meriting appreciation.
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