BY: FAHAD CH
KARACHI: Fly Jinnah (FJ), a new low-cost airline for domestic travel in Pakistan, declared that it has obtained the required permits to start running flights out of Jinnah International Airport Karachi.
Fly Jinnah is jointly owned by Air Arabia Group and Lakson Group of Pakistan. Air Arabia is the first and biggest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa. Pakistan’s Lakson Group is one of Pakistan’s top corporate companies. Following federal government clearance, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) issued the new carrier a license for Regular Public Transport last year. The business announced in a news release today that it has obtained its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Air Operating License (AOL).
In a press release issued today, the company said it had received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Air Operating License (AOL).
“Securing the AOC and AOL confirms that Fly Jinnah has met all the professional capabilities, adheres to all safety regulations, and has proven safe and secure to operate as a passenger and cargo airline following the completion of rigorous inspections by the PCAA,” the press release reads, elaborating that the airline was in “full compliance” with all technical and operational requirements set by PCAA.
It added that the company would continue to coordinate closely with the PCAA to determine the date for launching airline operations.
“We are proud to achieve the first milestone in building Fly Jinnah’s history. A lot of hard work has been put into achieving this outcome, thanks to our partners at Arabia Group, all the airline staff, and the different divisions for ensuring all PCAA regulatory safety standards and requirements are met. We look forward to launching Fly Jinnah’s operations, serving the strategic vision of Pakistan’s travel and tourism sector, and contributing to the country’s economic growth and job creation, while also providing Pakistanis with reliable and value-for-money air travel,” Fly Jinnah Chairman Iqbal Ali Lakhani said.
The press release said that to obtain the AOC, the airline had to demonstrate that fully trained and qualified personnel, infrastructure, systems, processes, and procedures were in place to ensure the safety of the public and its employees both on the ground and in the air.
It added that the carrier will start its operations with a fleet that comprises three Airbus A320 aircraft. The press release said the airline will be based in Karachi and serve domestic routes before expanding its network internationally.