It seems that local exporters are taking an initiative of their own, To solve their issues, they are developing a private international airline on a self-help basis. Since the project is been spearheaded by Sialkot-based businessmen, the venture has been aptly named as AirSial.
Air Sial is a huge project that is being undertaken under the umbrella of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Fazal Jilani, President (SCCI) and Patron-in-Chief of Airsial, announced yesterday that they have started the registration of directors for Airsial.
The Progress on AirSial so far
The project was inaugurated in August 2015. The registration of directors has commenced recently, and it is pertinent to note that local businessmen are proceeding with the project with little to no governmental support in this endeavor.
In recent years, the businessmen in the region have completed massive projects such as the establishment of dry ports, export processing zone, small industrial estates, and even an international airport in Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL).
This lends credence to their current aim of establishing an airline to better meet the requirements of local imports and exports volumes. Sialkot is one of the main business hubs in Pakistan and such a project can help bolster its commercial profile nationally and internationally. The SCCI, with the support of local investors and businessmen, hopes to realize and execute this project in time.
With their sights currently set on acquiring Boeing 727-800 aircraft for flights, Mr Jilani hopes to have the airline operational by the end of this year.
The city of Sialkot is famous worldwide for their industries and high quality export material. Establishment of this airline will help local businesses grow as they will be able to export their products in much less time when compared to other competing local airlines.
