K2 Airways and a Chinese state-owned Development and Logistics Group have signed an agreement to commence cargo flights from Karachi to Kashgar. The signing ceremony took place at a local hotel in Karachi, attended by Sindh Minister for Industries and Commerce Jam Ikramullah Dharejo and officials from the Chinese consulate.
The private airline plans to start its operations at the end of this month, with initial routes from Karachi to Kashgar via Lahore. The airline will operate three cargo flights weekly, with expansion plans to follow.
Dharejo noted the existing bond between Pakistan and China through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). "It [K2 Airways] will be the first airline to operate cargo flights in China," he said to Geo News. He also highlighted Chinese interest in Pakistani seafood and IT products.
A representative from the Chinese firm emphasized Kashgar's importance as a trade city and suggested the agreement might extend to other Chinese cities. K2 Airways CEO Tariq Majeed Raja stated the airline's intention to expand its cargo operations to additional Chinese cities. "The cargo flights will export fruits and vegetables to China. While China will export e-commerce products to Pakistan via these flights," Raja stated.
The airline, supported by UAE-based Pakistani businessmen and professionals, is pioneering the introduction of Embraer E-Jets in Pakistan's commercial aviation sector. The company aims to connect under-utilized and smaller airports with major cities like Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore, facilitating national travel.
Source: Geo News