Air Karachi considering to buy passenger planes from Chinese Jetmaker COMAC
Chinese aerospace manufacturer COMAC
(Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) is in advanced discussions with
Pakistan’s emerging budget airline Air Karachi for the potential supply of its
modern passenger aircraft. The talks come as Air Karachi gears up to enter the
domestic market with a cost-efficient, privately funded business model.
Founded in November 2024, Air
Karachi has attracted over 100 business investors and raised Rs 5 billion
($17.6 million) in capital. The airline is led by prominent Karachi-based
businessman Hanif Gohar, who confirmed that discussions with COMAC over the
acquisition of C919 narrow-body jets are progressing. “We are in talks with
COMAC regarding the C919, as well as with Boeing and Airbus,” Gohar told Arab
News, adding that a final agreement is expected by the end of this month.
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More Chinese-manufactured
passenger aircraft set to enter into Pakistani market
Air Karachi recently secured its Regular
Public Transport (RPT) license from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority
(CAA), granting it permission to launch scheduled commercial operations. The
airline plans to begin operations with three narrow-body aircraft, expanding to
seven jets within its first year. International routes are expected to follow
shortly after domestic service rollout.
A New Low-Cost Model Inspired by Air
Sial
Taking cues from the success of Air
Sial, Air Karachi aims to operate independently of government ownership,
offering affordable and efficient services. Gohar emphasized COMAC's
competitive pricing, noting that Chinese aircraft are nearly 50% less expensive
than Boeing and Airbus alternatives. “Lower leasing and operational costs will
allow us to cut ticket prices by up to 40% for Pakistani passengers,” he added.
The CAA has raised no objections to
the inclusion of Chinese aircraft in the fleet, subject to standard safety
inspections and regulatory approvals, which are currently underway. Initially, Chinese
pilots will operate the aircraft until Pakistani crews are trained and
certified. Plans are also in place to develop local pilot training simulators, maintenance
facilities, and a domestic spare parts supply network to support long-term
operations.
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More “Air
Karachi” registered as Pakistan's new airline
Industry Impact and Regional
Implications
A senior official at the CAA
suggested that a successful partnership between COMAC and Air Karachi could
reshape regional fleet procurement strategies, offering airlines across South
Asia a more cost-effective alternative to traditional Western suppliers.
Aviation analysts agree that the deal could mark a turning point in diversifying
aircraft sourcing, especially for budget carriers aiming to reduce operational
expenses.
If finalized, the collaboration
would position Air Karachi as a pioneer in adopting Chinese aviation technology
in the Pakistani market, potentially influencing broader trends in the region’s
airline industry.
Source: thedailycpec.com