Shaheen Air International is a privately owned airline specializing in domestic air travel within Pakistan. Shaheen also offers travel to select major non-Pakistani cities such as Dubai. Based in Karachi, the company is presently owned by the Canadian company TAWA International Inc. Shaheen highlights their ability to offer customers extra leg room, e-ticketing, and exemplary customer service. The fleet consists of nine Boeing 737s.
Founded in December 1993, Shaheen Air International aimed to provide cargo and charter services throughout Pakistan and other Gulf destinations in addition to standard passenger travel. Shortly after a 2004 takeover by Canadian-based TAWA International Inc., Shaheen's Soviet aircraft were replaced with updated Boeing models, including a Boeing 737. Dealing with unpaid debt and political complications, Shaheen flew for a while to a London airport location (UK flights suspended as of 2008).
Major domestic air routes utilize Karachi (located in the south of Pakistan) as a hub. Passengers can fly to or from Karachi from Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar. International flights leave from the three aforementioned domestic cities. Destinations include Kuwait, Dubai, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, Doha and al Ain.
Shaheen Air International offers three different types of air travel. Standard passengers enjoy e-ticketing, on-board meals and extra leg room. Shaheen Air Cargo is the company's division focusing on cargo transport, including live animal and valuable items transport. Lastly, Shaheen offers privately chartered flights.
Shaheen Air International represents a major developmental effort for Pakistan. Furthermore, Shaheen's Canadian ownership represents an international interest in the viability of the private air sector in the region.
The United States Department of State Beaurau of Consular Affairs has issued several travel warnings. According to the Department of State, Americans are advised against traveling to Pakistan (and some surrounding countries). Non-Pakistani citizens considering travel via Shaheen Air International should check their federal government's travel warnings, available online or at local government buildings.
