A new airline ‘North Air’ is set to launch in Pakistan after gettingapproval from Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to promote tourism in Pakistan.
The new private airline will initially operate flights betweenIslamabad-Gilgit, Islamabad-Skardu, Islamabad-Chitral and Islamabad-Gwadar.
The North Air, after it takes to the skies, will promote Pakistan as aglobal tourist destination.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) recently issued Tourism Promotion andRegional Integration (TPRI) license to the airline.
North Air founder and co-owner Raja Nazeem ul Ameen is a businessman whohails from Hunza valley of Gilgit-Baltistan.
“After acquiring the license, we are now in the process of complying withsubsequent requirements by CAA which includes reviewing the planes, pilots,technical staff and training capacity,” the founder of the airline added.
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“The process from licensing to operation takes a minimum of 90 days. Wehope to begin flight operations as soon as possible” the airline co-ownersaid in an interview.
The new airline is expected to attract tourists to northern areas ofPakistan and the connectivity to Gilgit Baltistan (GB) will promote theeconomy and tourism industry of the area.
“We are optimistic the airline will help promote Pakistan as a globaltourist destination. We want to improve connectivity and fill the gap oflimited flight operations.” Ameen added.
When asked about the types of aircraft the company aims to acquire, theairline founder said that North Air hopes to begin operations initiallywith two Bombardier Q400 aircraft yet to be purchased. The airline will bethe first in Pakistan to operate the Bombardier aircraft.
