South Air has taken delivery of its first ATR 72-500 airline in Pakistan, a move linked to the Tourism Promotion and Regional Integration initiative of the government.
The ATR 72-500 is a regional passenger aircraft for short flights, a twin-engine turboprop built by ATR, a joint venture of Airbus and Leonardo company.
The arrival of airline has been welcomed by officials as a key milestone in the broader roadmap of Pakistan for developing its aviation sector and expanding regional connectivity.
Flight operations are expected to begin in June 2026, introducing a new presence in Pakistan’s regional air travel market for the very first time.
The TPRI project, under which the airline arrived, is a government-backed initiative designed to promote tourism and strengthen economic links between Pakistan’s regions.
Officials said the project would help boost economic activity across regional areas, create new employment opportunities in aviation, and improve commercial connectivity nationwide.
Authorities expect the initiative to support growth in Pakistan’s aviation workforce and contribute to the long-term development of the country’s air transport infrastructure.
