K2 Airways, an airline backed by United Arab Emirates-based Pakistani businessmen and professionals, is in the “final stages” of its launch, according to a press release issued by the company.

The press release said that K2 Airways would be the country’s “first private airline to introduce Embraer E-Jets” in Pakistan’s commercial aviation.

“The airline plans to serve specific domestic destinations with two Embraer E-190 aircraft this year. The aim is to link under-utilised and smaller airports of Pakistan with Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore, to make travel convenient for Pakistani travellers.

“This will narrow the gap as the airline will offer flexibility to travellers in choosing the right airport within the catchment area. The airline can operate as a feeder carrier for the existing domestic airlines to complement their operations as well,” the press release said.

It added that the airline has a “well-thought strategy” to diversify and reshape passengers’ travel experience through the “exposure of Embraer E-Jets cabin which is based on 2+2row seating, with comfortable leg space”.

The press release said that the businessmen and professionals backing the airline have an “astounding passion for aviation, who believe in utilising modern automation tools and gathering young and dynamic professionals in the team to create a strong, technologically apt and digitally enabled aviation entity in Pakistan”.

Talking to Dawn.com, Senior Commercial Manager Sarah Khoso said the airline’s chief executive officer is Tariq Raja, an electronic engineer whose family was associated with the Pakistan Air Force.

“[He is] residing and running a successful business in the UAE since 1992,” she said, adding that Asim Mairaj was another senior member of the company.

Khoso said the airline was planning to launch in 2023 “subject to the issuance of statutory, regulatory certifications and approvals”.