PIA and Air Karachi Sign Agreement for Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Services
In a notable move for Pakistan’s aviation sector, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has entered into a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) agreement with Air Karachi, a newly established private airline founded by members of Karachi’s business community.
According to a statement released on Wednesday, the agreement will see PIA provide engineering and aircraft maintenance services to Air Karachi, marking a collaborative step between the public and private sectors in civil aviation.
Agreement Signed by Senior Executives
The MRO agreement was formalized in a signing ceremony attended by:
-
Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat, CEO of PIA
-
Hanif Gohar, Chairman of Air Karachi
-
Air Marshal (Retd.) Imran Majid, CEO of Air Karachi
This partnership reflects a growing trend of leveraging national airline infrastructure to support private-sector entrants and improve overall service quality and operational efficiency in Pakistan’s aviation ecosystem.
Air Karachi: A New Player in the Sky
Air Karachi was announced in November 2024 with an initial investment of Rs5 billion, spearheaded by prominent figures from the United Business Group (UBG). The airline’s launch was revealed during a press briefing at the Karachi Press Club, where Hanif Gohar and S M Tanveer, Chairman of UBG, outlined plans to offer efficient, reliable air travel services and help boost regional connectivity.
Air Karachi aims to serve both domestic and international routes, with a particular focus on making air travel more accessible from Pakistan’s commercial hub.
What the MRO Agreement Means for the Industry
This partnership between PIA and Air Karachi is expected to:
-
Strengthen technical collaboration in Pakistan’s aviation industry
-
Generate new revenue streams for PIA’s engineering division
-
Allow Air Karachi to focus on operational growth while outsourcing critical maintenance tasks
-
Promote industry standards and safety compliance through experienced national-level MRO support
With PIA’s vast experience in aircraft maintenance and international certifications, Air Karachi will likely benefit from reliable and cost-effective services, avoiding the need to build its own maintenance infrastructure in the early phases.
Conclusion: A New Era of Cooperation in Pakistani Aviation
The agreement signals a positive shift in Pakistan’s aviation landscape, where established national players and emerging private airlines are cooperating for mutual benefit. As Air Karachi prepares for takeoff, its partnership with PIA not only ensures technical readiness but also demonstrates how collaboration over competition can drive progress in a challenging yet promising industry.
