ISLAMABAD, SEP 29 /DNA/ – Josef Gostner, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Italy’s FRI-EL Group, is visiting Pakistan for high-level discussions with the management of South Air (Pvt.) Limited aimed at exploring a strategic partnership and long-term cooperation in Pakistan’s regional aviation sector.
FRI-EL is a diversified Italian industrial group with interests spanning renewable energy, aviation and other sectors. Its aviation business includes SkyAlps, a regional airline connecting the Italian Alps with major destinations across Europe. SkyAlps’ operating philosophy places particular emphasis on efficient regional connectivity, carefully selected routes and turboprop aircraft suited to regional markets.
The visit reflects growing international interest in South Air’s vision of developing reliable air connectivity between Pakistan’s major commercial centres and underserved regions of the country.
During his visit, Mr. Gostner is expected to hold detailed discussions with the leadership of South Air and SOS Group on potential areas of cooperation, including strategic partnership, investment, fleet development, aircraft acquisition and induction, technical and operational collaboration, route development, aviation management expertise and the expansion of South Air’s regional network.
The two sides will also explore how FRI-EL and SkyAlps’ experience in developing a successful European regional aviation model could complement South Air’s plans for expansion in Pakistan.
South Air has been established with a particular focus on improving connectivity for regions where dependable air links can contribute significantly to economic activity, tourism, business mobility and social integration. The airline is pursuing the expansion of its fleet and network to progressively connect additional destinations across Pakistan.
The management of South Air welcomed Mr. Gostner’s visit as an important step towards building an international strategic relationship with an experienced European aviation group.
“We see considerable common ground between the regional aviation philosophy developed by FRI-EL through SkyAlps and South Air’s vision for Pakistan. The proposed cooperation has the potential to bring together international aviation experience, investment and operational expertise with South Air’s understanding of Pakistan’s regional connectivity requirements,” the South Air management stated.
The discussions are expected to provide a framework for identifying specific areas of partnership and evaluating opportunities for a sustainable, commercially viable and long-term cooperation between the two groups.
The visit also underlines the potential for strengthening Pakistan–Italy business and investment linkages, particularly in aviation and regional connectivity.
