KARACHI, July 24, 2025 — In a bold move set to reshape Pakistan’s aviation landscape, Air Karachi has announced plans to incorporate Chinese-manufactured passenger aircraft into its domestic fleet. The initiative, aimed at offering more affordable travel options, is expected to lower airfares by up to 40%, according to Chairman Hanif Gauhar.
During a media briefing, Gauhar emphasized that the primary motivation behind this shift lies in the cost-effectiveness of Chinese aircraft. “Chinese planes cost nearly half as much as their Western counterparts like Airbus and Boeing,” he explained. “This translates into substantially lower leasing and operational costs, and we plan to pass those savings directly to the traveling public in the form of reduced ticket prices.”
The airline intends to roll out the use of Chinese aircraft in domestic flight operations during the initial phase, with potential future expansion into regional routes. Gauhar stated that the aircraft are already undergoing regulatory checks and that the airline is in active coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
“The CAA has raised no objections to the inclusion of Chinese aircraft in our fleet. They are satisfied with the documentation, safety standards, and certification processes and are prepared to grant us the necessary approvals,” he said.
To facilitate the launch, Chinese pilots will initially operate the aircraft, as local pilots undergo training to become certified on the new models. Gauhar confirmed that Air Karachi is working on establishing in-country training infrastructure, including the import of flight simulators, spare parts, and reserve engines, to support long-term operations and ensure self-reliance in maintenance and pilot training.
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The move is seen as part of Air Karachi’s broader strategy to disrupt the domestic aviation market, which has long suffered from high ticket prices and limited competition. Industry analysts say that if successful, the model could encourage other airlines to consider non-Western aircraft options, particularly from Chinese aerospace manufacturers like COMAC, which have been expanding their global footprint in recent years.
While some in the aviation industry have expressed concerns over the performance and after-sales support of Chinese aircraft, Pakistan’s aviation regulators have confirmed there are no regulatory roadblocks preventing their entry into commercial service.
“This could mark a turning point in regional aviation dynamics,” said one senior CAA official. “If Air Karachi’s model proves safe and economically viable, it may force a rethink in fleet procurement strategies across the sector.”