The Punjab government plans to launch its provincial airline, Punjab Airlines, next month, starting with domestic flights, confirmed official sources.
The carrier will kick off with a fleet of seven passenger planes, linking major routes across Pakistan. Spearheaded by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's administration, preparations are advancing quickly to hit the April timeline.
For the first two years, Punjab Airlines will focus on domestic services before eyeing regional and international expansion, pending approvals. It aims to connect provincial capitals and key cities initially.
The rollout includes repurposing the chief minister's current helicopter into the airline's assets. Under the model, Maryam Nawaz, ministers, and officials will fly on Punjab Airlines for official duties instead of separate government planes.
To avoid straining provincial finances, all aircraft existing and new will serve commercial passengers, with government travel paying full fares. Officials stressed that the government will cover complete ticket costs for any official trips, safeguarding the airline's profitability.
This dual commercial-official setup boosts fleet efficiency, revenue, and public-sector needs.
The project aligns with Punjab's push to upgrade transport, enhance connectivity, and build a self-sustaining provincial airline. Route details, pricing, and schedules will follow soon.
* Image is AI-generated.
