Pakistan’s K2 Airways in ‘final stages’ of launch

Published February 16, 2023
A photo of K2 Airways’ Embraer E-Jet. — Photo courtesy: K2 Airways
A photo of K2 Airways’ Embraer E-Jet. — Photo courtesy: K2 Airways

K2 Airways, an airline backed by United Arab Emirates-based Pakistani businessmen and professionals, is in the “final stages” of its launch, according to a press release issued by the company.

The press release said that K2 Airways would be the country’s “first private airline to introduce Embraer E-Jets” in Pakistan’s commercial aviation.

“The airline plans to serve specific domestic destinations with two Embraer E-190 aircraft this year. The aim is to link under-utilised and smaller airports of Pakistan with Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore, to make travel convenient for Pakistani travellers.

“This will narrow the gap as the airline will offer flexibility to travellers in choosing the right airport within the catchment area. The airline can operate as a feeder carrier for the existing domestic airlines to complement their operations as well,” the press release said.

It added that the airline has a “well-thought strategy” to diversify and reshape passengers’ travel experience through the “exposure of Embraer E-Jets cabin which is based on 2+2row seating, with comfortable leg space”.

The press release said that the businessmen and professionals backing the airline have an “astounding passion for aviation, who believe in utilising modern automation tools and gathering young and dynamic professionals in the team to create a strong, technologically apt and digitally enabled aviation entity in Pakistan”.

Talking to Dawn.com, Senior Commercial Manager Sarah Khoso said the airline’s chief executive officer is Tariq Raja, an electronic engineer whose family was associated with the Pakistan Air Force.

“[He is] residing and running a successful business in the UAE since 1992,” she said, adding that Asim Mairaj was another senior member of the company.

Khoso said the airline was planning to launch in 2023 “subject to the issuance of statutory, regulatory certifications and approvals”.

Follow Dawn Business on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

PAKISTAN has now registered 50 polio cases this year. We all saw it coming and yet there was nothing we could do to...
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...