Punjab nears launch of own airline

LAHORE:

The Punjab government's plan to establish its own airline, 'Air Punjab', has entered an advanced stage, with key procedural and financial steps now underway to operationalise the province's first air carrier.

According to officials, the working committee overseeing the project has sent a demand for Rs1 billion in funds to the provincial finance department, marking a major step toward the airline's launch.

The government had already given its formal approval for the establishment of Air Punjab earlier this year.

Officials said the Punjab government intends to lease five aircraft in the initial phase of operations.