Umeedain Hope of Life
Shaheen Airlines is a privately owned airline headquartered at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan. Established in 1993 by Khalid Mahmood Sehbai, the airline operates flights to major cities within Pakistan and destinations in the Persian Gulf region. It has operational hubs at Benazir Bhutto International Airport in Islamabad and Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore.
Umeedain.com has gathered everything you need to know about Shaheen Airline, including its services, flights and more.
History
The airline was established in December 1993 under the Shaheen Foundation, Pakistan Air Force. It became Pakistan’s second national carrier in October 1994 and started international flights in February 1995. Initially, it operated domestic flights with leased Tupolev Tu-154 aircraft. However, it is no longer recognised as the country’s second national airline.
In 2004, TAWA International Inc. of Canada acquired Shaheen Air and infused foreign direct investment into the airline. The new management introduced the Boeing 737-200 Advanced for its main Karachi-Lahore-Karachi route, replacing Soviet aircraft. In 2005, Shaheen Air Cargo expanded its operations through agreements with Pakistan Post and British Airways Cargo and acquired IL-76 aircraft for cargo operations on Dubai-Karachi routes.
Shaheen Air
Shaheen Air International changed its branding to Shaheen Air and revealed a new livery and website in 2006. The airline expanded its flight routes, adding Quetta-Karachi and exploring the possibility of Quetta-Zahedan flights. At first, SAI operated eight flight schedules on the Karachi-Quetta and Quetta-Lahore routes. They planned to launch flights between Islamabad and Quetta in the future.
On May 22, 2006, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) temporarily halted all Shaheen Air flights due to unpaid dues. Operations resumed on May 25, 2006, after the airline paid the outstanding amounts.
In September 2006, Shaheen Air declared its intention to start a four-times-weekly service from Islamabad to Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield in the UK. However, this route was never launched.
Shaheen Air International revealed at the World Travel Market in London in October 2007 that it planned to start flights from Islamabad to London Luton Airport. On February 7, 2008, the airline launched flights to their second UK destination, Leeds Bradford Airport. In November 2007, the airline leased two Airbus A310-300 planes from Turkish company Saga Airlines to prepare for long-haul routes to the UK. The first A310-300 aircraft, with a white colour scheme and noticeable Shaheen Air titles, were used for both the new Islamabad-Lahore-Kuwait route and twice-weekly service to Leeds Bradford Airport in England.
Destinations
Shaheen Airlines serves approximately five domestic destinations, including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and D.G Khan, as well as international routes to cities such as Dubai, Manchester (U.K.), Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Muscat, and Doha from Pakistan. Initially, the airline operated flights to Riyadh, and it has since expanded to include Dammam. Shaheen Airlines aims to become Pakistan’s second national flag carrier, following Pakistan International Airlines.
In addition to passenger flights, Shaheen Airlines offers cargo and charter services established in 1993. The airline is committed to providing a comfortable journey for its passengers and plans to expand its international destinations.
Airlines in Pakistan
Multiple domestic and international airlines are in operation within Pakistan. The expansion of destinations served has been a direct result of the government’s initiatives to enhance economic relationships with other nations. Here is a comprehensive compilation of the various airlines functioning in Pakistan.
Other Airlines In Pakistan
Here is the list of additional list of airlines in Pakistan:
| Airline | IATA | ICAO | Callsign | Hubs | Type |
| Pakistan International Airlines | PK | PIA | Pakistan | Islamabad International Airport | Full service |
| Airblue | PA | ABQ | Airblue | Islamabad International Airport | Full service |
| Serene Air | ER | SEP | Serene Air | Jinnah International Airport | Full service |
| AirSial | PF | SIF | Air Sial | Jinnah International Airport | Full service |
| Fly Jinnah | 9P | FJL | Aqaab | Jinnah International Airport | Low-cost |
| Vision Air International | – | VIS | Dreambird | Jinnah International Airport | Cargo |
| Air Falcon | – | FPK | Feather | Jinnah International Airport | Cargo |
| Askari Aviation | 4K | AKP | Askari Air | Jinnah International Airport | Charter |
| AST Pakistan Airways | – | ACS | Aircraft Sales | Jinnah International Airport | Charter |
| Jahangir Siddiqui Charter | – | JSA | Siddiqui | Jinnah International Airport | Charter |
| JS Air (Private) Limited | – | JSJ | JS Air | Jinnah International Airport | Charter |
| Pakistan Aviators & Aviation | – | PTN | Aviators | Jinnah International Airport | Charter |
| Royal Airlines | – | RYL | Royal | Jinnah International Airport | Charter |
| Schon Air | – | SCN | Skyline | Jinnah International Airport | Charter |
| Princely Jets | – | PJP | Princely Jets | Jinnah International Airport | Charter |
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shaheen Airline:
1. What is Shaheen Airline and its History?
Shaheen Airline is a prominent airline in Pakistan, established in December 1993 as a project of the Shaheen Foundation, Pakistan Air Force. It started as the country’s second national carrier and commenced international operations in February 1995 with a service between Peshawar and Dubai.
2. What Destinations Does Shaheen Airline Serve?
Shaheen Airline operates domestic and international flights, connecting major cities in Pakistan and international destinations in the Middle East, Europe, and other regions. For specific routes and schedules, please visit the official Shaheen Airline website.
3. What Types of Aircraft Does Shaheen Airline Operate?
Shaheen Airline operates a modern fleet of aircraft, including Boeing 737-200 Advanced planes and Airbus A310-300 aircraft, ensuring passenger safety and comfort.
4. Can I Book Tickets Online with Shaheen Airline?
Yes, Shaheen Airline offers online booking services through its official website. Passengers can conveniently book tickets, select seats, and manage their reservations online.
5. What Facilities and Services Does Shaheen Airline Provide Onboard?
Shaheen Airline offers a range of amenities onboard, including comfortable seating, in-flight entertainment, and meal options, varying based on the flight duration and route. Passengers can enjoy a pleasant travel experience with Shaheen Airline.
6. How Can I Contact Shaheen Airline Customer Support?
For inquiries, booking assistance, or any other concerns, passengers can reach Shaheen Airline’s customer support team through their official website’s contact section. The airline provides dedicated customer service to address passenger queries promptly.
7. Does Shaheen Airline Have a Loyalty Program?
Yes, Shaheen Airlines offers a loyalty program known as the Shaheen Smiles program. Passengers can earn points for their flights, which can be redeemed for various benefits, including discounts on future bookings and exclusive privileges.
8. What Measures Does Shaheen Airline Take for Passenger Safety?
Shaheen Airline prioritises passenger safety and follows stringent safety protocols, including regular maintenance of aircraft, well-trained crew, and compliance with international aviation standards to ensure a secure travel experience.
9. Can I Carry Pets or Special Baggage Items on Shaheen Airline Flights?
Yes, Shaheen Airline permits passengers to travel with pets and special baggage items. However, specific regulations and fees apply. It’s recommended to check the airline’s official website or contact customer support for detailed information before travelling.
10. How Can I Stay Updated with Shaheen Airline’s Latest News and Offers?
Passengers and enthusiasts can stay updated with Shaheen Airline’s latest news, promotions, and offers by following the airline’s official social media channels and subscribing to their newsletter on the official website. Additionally, announcements and news updates are regularly shared on the airline’s official website.
If you want to know more about Airlines in Pakistan, follow the us.
