UAE’s Air Arabia, Lakson Group partner to launch Pakistan’s new low-cost airline

UAE’s Air Arabia Group and Pakistani business conglomerate Lakson Group have announced their decision to form a joint venture to launch “Fly Jinnah”, Pakistan’s new airline.

The proposed JV will see the establishment of a low-cost passenger airline serving domestic and international routes from Pakistan.

We are glad to announce that we are joining hands with “Lakson Group” to form a joint venture to launch Pakistan’s new low-cost airline.

More information here: https://t.co/IojwXkC9ew

— Air Arabia (@airarabiagroup) September 3, 2021

The new airline will contribute to the country’s economic growth and job creation, while providing Pakistanis with reliable air travel, a statement said.

Iqbal Ali Lakhani, chairman of Lakson Group, said: “We are excited to partner with Air Arabia in launching Pakistan’s new low-cost carrier. “Fly Jinnah” will serve Pakistan’s travel and tourism sector and will play a constructive role in contributing to the nation’s economic growth.”

“This partnership also reflects our commitment to support the development of Pakistan’s air transport sector while providing the citizens and visitors of the country with a new option of value for money air travel. Air Arabia enjoys a track-record of reliable and efficient operations, and we look forward to working closely towards launching and developing the new airline.”

“We are delighted at Air Arabia Group to partner with Lakson Group on this joint venture to launch Pakistan’s new low-cost carrier,” added Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, chairman of Air Arabia.

“We are confident that “Fly Jinnah” will add value to the air transport sector of Pakistan and directly contribute to the local economy through job creation and the development of travel and tourism sector.”

“Fly Jinnah” will initially be based in Karachi serving a range of domestic routes across Pakistan and then expand its route network internationally. The new carrier will follow the low-cost business model.

Work on securing the Air Operating Certificate (AOC) – which allows the airline to start operating – will commence shortly. Details about the launch date, fleet, and destination network will be announced in due course.

According to IATA, the air transport industry, including airlines and its supply chain along with the tourism spend, are estimated to support $3.3bn of GDP in Pakistan.