LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced that its own provincial airline, Punjab Airlines, will begin operations in April, with the first flight scheduled for the same month.
The initiative is being fast-tracked under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
Initially, the airline will acquire seven passenger aircraft. During the first phase, Punjab Airlines will operate exclusively on domestic routes for two years. After this period, well before the next general elections, the airline plans to expand to international flights.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s current helicopter will be integrated into the airline as its first asset. She will personally use Punjab Airlines flights, and no separate aircraft will be purchased for her. All provincial ministers and officials are expected to travel using the airline as part of the state’s cost-efficiency strategy.
Officials said that the airline will be operated profitably without burdening the provincial treasury, and all aircraft, including those used by the Chief Minister, will contribute to revenue. When the Chief Minister uses a flight, the full ticket fare will be charged.
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