In an innovative breakthrough in transportation, Pakistan will have its first-ever online aerial taxi service allowing people to travel anywhere within the country from June 18.
The taxi service will allow customers to conveniently book flight on their preferred time and destination through a mobile app, similar to booking a taxi, from the comfort of their homes
Sky Wings Aviation Chief Operating Officer (COO), Imran Aslam Khan, said that the aircraft designated for aerial tours, DA 40 Diamond series, has arrived in Pakistan, following a successful test flight. The single-engine plane has a seating capacity of four passengers.
He said the primary goal of the air taxi service was to provide emergency transportation from Karachi to remote areas in rural Sindh and Balochistan.
The German-manufactured aircraft can fly at a speed of up to 160km per hour and has a flight range of 2,000km, making it an ideal choice for efficient air travel.
Imran said that the mobile app will enable citizens to select their desired time and destination.
The modern facility is launched by a private company Sky Wings — in collaboration with a foreign investor — in Karachi.
In this regard, Jinnah International Airport in the port city has also signed an agreement.
Imran Aslam Khan said that individuals will be able to choose their desired time and destination through the mobile app, similar to other taxi booking applications.
Khan said that the fare for the travelling service will be much lower than the typical charter flights which cost Rs2.5 million for a trip from Karachi to different cities in Sindh and Balochistan.
The taxi service has eight aircraft with two to six seats initially, however, more aircraft will be launched in the coming days.
A DA 40 Diamond from a German aircraft manufacturer has been added to the fleet which has three passenger seats apart from the pilot, said Aslam.
Moreover, the German-manufactured aircraft can fly at a speed of 160 knots (about 300 kilometres) per hour in a single fuelling.
Khan said that the aircraft can be booked through other transportation service apps — Careem, Uber and Bykea. He added that private jet owners can also opt to be a part of the aerial service.
“Apart from political, religious and business personalities, other professionals like tourists, lawyers, journalists and doctors and ordinary citizens will also be able to benefit from aerial taxis,” he added.
He further said that this service will not only provide a faster way of travelling but also boost tourism in the country.
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