ISLAMABAD: A Sialkot-based private airline on Wednesday flew its inaugural flight to the Saudi port city of Jeddah, said an official statement released by the country’s diplomatic mission in the kingdom that described the development as another milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Air Sial was launched by the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industries in 2017 and started operating in December 2020. The airline operates both domestic and international flights, connecting major cities in Pakistan with destinations in the Middle East and Europe.

Its first flight was received by Pakistan’s consul general Khalid Majid and other officials in Jeddah.

“Hailing it as a significant achievement in further strengthening the [Pak-Saudi] bilateral relations, Majid conveyed gratitude to the Saudi government for providing support and hospitality to Air Sial and expressed optimism that the new airline would enhance connectivity between the two brotherly countries, paving the way for greater collaboration and increased trade,” said the statement.

Air Sial was launched as a collective effort of Sialkot’s business community. Located in the country’s most populous Punjab province, the city is the hub of cottage industries in the country and is internationally known for making high quality sports goods and surgical instruments.

The airline has also chosen a strategic destination in the kingdom since Jeddah is not only a major commercial hub but also serves as the gateway for pilgrims intending to visit the Islamic holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.