Air Sial gets permission to launch international flight operations

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has allowed a private airline, Air Sial, to start international operations for the convenience and comfort of passengers who currently have limited options.

Air Sial has been given permission by the federal cabinet on Tuesday to start flights to China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, UK and Kuwait.

The Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved new international routes for Air Sial on the recommendations of the Ministry of Aviation under the National Aviation Policy 2023 and Air Services Agreement.

The approval was given after the aviation division apprised the cabinet members about the utility of the decision and how it would benefit the fliers. The detailed flight schedule will be announced by AirSyal after completion of formalities.

Regarding the history of the airline, it is worth mentioning that the Air Sial project was conceptualized in 2015 by members of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Read more: Sialkot Airport shuts down for all kinds of domestic and international flights

Interestingly, according to a report released by the Civil Aviation Authority last year, Air Sial was named as the second most punctual airline in the country.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) ranks fifth in terms of punctuality in domestic flights, the top 4 slots were taken by private carriers as their on-time departure and arrival ratio was much better than the national flag carrier.

Private carrier Fly Jinnah took the top spot with 87.93 percent flight punctuality rate while Air Sial came second with its flight punctuality rate of 86.89 percent.