Fly Jinnah airline begins flight operations

The new player in the market will operate daily flights between major cities

KARACHI:

Pakistan’s low-cost carrier, Fly Jinnah, has started flight operations as the fourth domestic airline.

The inaugural flight departed from Karachi to Islamabad on Monday afternoon. A cake was cut in the lounge of Jinnah Terminal at the flight’s departure and a water salute was presented by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as it landed at the Islamabad International Airport.

Air Arabia Group CEO Adel Abdullah Ali, Colgate Palmolive Pakistan and Fly Jinnah Director Zulfiqar Ali Lakhani, CAA Director General Khaqan Murtaza, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Senator Saleem Mandviwala and Spokesman of Prime Minister Fahd Hussain were also present on the occasion.

Fly Jinnah COO Arman Yahya said that equipped with modern technology, the airline is crossing the milestone of starting air operations. He said that the airline will play an important role in the aviation sector as it provides passengers with an easy and comfortable means of air travel. There will be no compromise on safety and the operations are starting with three Airbus A320 aircraft, he added.

The COO said that domestic flights will run in the first year while international flights will start in the second year. Fly Jinnah will operate daily flights from Karachi to Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar, and four flights to Quetta per week, he added.

He further said that flights will also reach small airports, including the one in Skardu.

Actors Behroz Sabzwari, Muneeb Butt and Aiman Khan, singer Faakhir Mehmood, and other passengers declared the journey comfortable and satisfying. They also expressed good wishes for the airline.

The airline’s management is confident that it will provide passengers with value-added products and services to offer convenient and comfortable means of air travel. They said that they are committed to working with partners to effectively meet the needs of the Pakistani market and to contribute to the tourism sector by providing the best travel facilities in the country.

Earlier this month, the airline obtained an air operator certificate and an air operating licence from the CAA, after which it received permission to start domestic flight operations.

The airline offers in-flight entertainment in all its aircraft and the customers can also enjoy a variety of hot food and beverages from the in-flight Sky Café at low costs.

The airline was announced in a joint venture between Lakson Group and Air Arabia Group in September 2021. Its head office has been established in Karachi.