KARACHI: The Punjab government has acquired a new aircraft.
According to aviation sources, the modern Gulfstream G500 jet, bearing American registration number N144S, has been purchased at a cost of Rs10 billion.
Flight history data shows that the seven-year-old aircraft arrived in Lahore on December 28, travelling from Bangor in North America to the Egyptian city of Hurghada before landing at Allama Iqbal International Airport. The aircraft remained grounded at the airport in Lahore for approximately 40 days, during which, according to sources, it underwent interior refurbishment and decoration.
The jet made its first flight within Pakistan on February 6, flying from Lahore to Multan. Since then, using the call sign “PUNJAB2,” it has operated multiple flights from Lahore to Quetta, Mianwali, Sialkot and Rawalpindi.
The aircraft is still operating under US registration and private ownership.
Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said the provincial government plans to establish a fleet for “Air Punjab,” comprising various types of aircraft. She stated that some planes are being purchased while others will be acquired on lease, adding that this jet is part of that broader initiative.
