Has Punjab bought new Rs10 billion Luxury Jet for Air Punjab airline?

2026-02-20 - 14:33

LAHORE – Punjab government is under spotlight for allegedly purchasing Rs10 billion Gulfstream G500 luxury jet. Officials claim the jet is part of the new Air Punjab airline fleet, but critics question whether a high-end private aircraft can truly serve a provincial airline. The jet has landed in Lahore, yet its exact role and operational status remain unclear. Pakistani media and social media are abuzz after reports that the Punjab government allegedly purchased a Gulfstream G500 long-range luxury jet, fueling a storm of debate over taxpayer money and provincial priorities. The controversy escalated during Wednesday evening press conference when a journalist asked Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari about social media claims that the government had acquired a multi-billion-rupee aircraft. Minister Bukhari responded that the move is part of creating “Air Punjab,” the province’s new proposed airline. “For Air Punjab, we are acquiring various aircraft, some by purchase and some on lease, to form a fleet that includes all types of planes. Updates on final arrangements will be shared later,” she said. Azma confirmed that Air Punjab is expected to start operations this year, but did not clarify whether the aircraft in question is indeed a Gulfstream G500 or any other specific model. Media reports claim that the purchased aircraft is a Gulfstream G500, a 2019 long-range luxury jet designed for heads of state and global business elites. Documents show that the aircraft is currently privately owned, registered in US under number N124S, and only arrived in Lahore on December 28, 2025. The jet has already started local flights since early February. Notably, between February 10 and 12, it flew Lahore-Quetta and Lahore-Mianwali under the call sign “Punjab Two,” and again on February 16 from Lahore to Sialkot and back. A government official told publication that until a plane is officially registered and pilots hired in Pakistan, the company supplying it assists with operations. Gulfstream G500, manufactured by Gulfstream Aerospace, can fly 8,334 km nonstop at 1,000 km/h, with seating for 13 passengers in maximum comfort. Outfitted with plush sofa seats and dining tables, the jet is marketed as the ultimate luxury experience, with prices reaching $45 million. A global media linked with private airline revealed that this is strictly a business jet, not a commercial passenger plane. Globally, it is used by billionaires, VIPs, and heads of state, especially in Arab countries. It cannot operate on commercial routes due to limited seating.” Punjab government first mentioned Air Punjab in April last year, when DG Public Relations revealed that the Chief Minister approved Pakistan’s first provincial airline and directed the immediate lease of four Airbus planes. Initial operations are planned for domestic flights, with international services to follow after one year. Last December, the government advertised multiple senior positions for Air Punjab, including CEO, COO, CFO, and Head of HR, signaling serious steps toward operational launch. The alleged purchase of luxury jet ignited social media firestorm. Critics argue that a private Gulfstream cannot be used commercially and question the cost of acquiring such an aircraft. Punjab Airline’s maiden flight scheduled for April 2026 [Check Fleet Details]