KARACHI:  Internation aviation services company Air Menzies International (AMI) is all set to launch "full-fledged" operations in Pakistan within two months after opening two branch offices in Lahore and Karachi this month, officials at the firm said. 

AMI was established in the UK in 1976 to provide wholesale air freight and express services to forwarders, customs brokers, and courier agents. Over the years, it has expanded to over 250 locations across 58 countries and now operates under John Menzies plc, a FTSE 250 listed company.

 

The company opened branches in Lahore and Karachi this month, getting direct access to two of Pakistan’s high-growth industrial centers.  

The expansion increases AMI’s presence in South Asia and is part of the company’s wider strategy to focus on the Asian market and key manufacturing and industrial hubs.  

“The Karachi and Lahore branches were operationalized early this year and things have been regularized. Now the company is gearing up for full-fledged operations from December 2022 or January next year,” Nadeem Ahmed, Country Manager for AMI, told Arab News on Monday.  

He said that the company acted as a bridge between carriers and freight forwarders and offered an international platform to freight forwarders while facilitating import trade.  

“We are excited to be entering the Pakistan market, as part of our strategy to establish a greater presence in the South Asian region,” Jonathon Clark, the chief executive officer of Air Menzies International, said in the statement.

Commenting on the opening of offices in Karachi and Lahore, Clark said the cities were chosen because of their “huge potential and healthy projected economic growth of at least 5% over the next few years.”

“Looking ahead, this gives us huge confidence in a buoyant regional marketplace, where we can offer our renowned leading global freight forwarding and related logistics services,” Clark added.  

AMI officials are optimistic business will grow in Pakistan despite adverse economic and political conditions.  

“Opportunity lies in the middle of difficulties,” Ahmed said. “Logistics will continue to run and we are very hopeful that things will continue to grow and the country’s potential will be enhanced and harnessed.”