The airline of the Punjab government will start operations in April. Initially, seven passenger planes are being purchased for Punjab Airlines.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s government is working at lightning speed to run the province’s own airline.
Punjab government official sources revealed that the Punjab Airlines will operate only domestically for two years in the first phase. The airline will also start international flights two years after the start of operations.
Government sources said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s existing helicopter will also be included in Punjab Airlines, rather it will be the first asset of the Punjab Airlines.
After the establishment of the provincial government’s airline, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif herself will use Punjab Airlines aircraft, no separate special aircraft will be purchased for her. All ministers and officials of the Punjab government will also travel on this airline.
Sources said that a strategy is being devised to not put additional burden on the provincial treasury to establish Punjab Airlines.
The existing and new aircraft will be used entirely for profit. The new aircraft will be used by the Chief Minister along with passengers, when the Chief Minister uses the Punjab Airlines aircraft, the full fare will be paid.