Pakistan’s aviation sector gained a new entrant on Monday with the official launch of South Air, a domestic airline positioned to strengthen regional connectivity and make air travel more accessible across the country.

During the inaugural ceremony, Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani described the development as a historic milestone. He said South Air would play a key role in linking smaller and underserved cities across South Punjab, interior Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He added that improved air links would support local development, expand access to essential services and promote national cohesion. South Air’s first flight will operate on the Karachi–Multan route, with additional destinations planned as operations expand.

Gilani, who has long been associated with Multan, said the new airline would help showcase the region’s economic and cultural promise. He urged South Air’s management to keep fares affordable so that passengers from all income brackets can benefit, noting that even lawmakers face difficulties due to rising ticket prices.

The launch event was attended by executives from South Air, parliamentarians and business leaders. Officials at the ceremony expressed confidence that the new carrier would stimulate regional economic activity and offer travelers more efficient and convenient domestic travel options.