Unique Startup Business Models – Story – 8 – AIRLIFT – Mobilizing Communities Towards Self-Empowerment!

Pakistan based decentralized mass transit startup AIRLIFT has been one of the few startups which has branched out to greener pastures while staying committed to their mission. During a crisis that has effectively halted their primary business model, they have diversified into other, better sectors. 

AIRLIFT -About The Company

AIRLIFT was founded in 2018 by Ahmed Ayub, Meher Farrukh, and Usman Gul and is based out of Lahore, Pakistan. The company began as a decentralized mass transit platform, on which both bus operators and users could sign up for. Users can use the AIRLIFT platform to search for and book bus tickets, which would have specific timings, routes and stops akin to that of public transport facilities. Service providers could use the platform to find customers who require the specific route or routes on which they operate.

The company has revolutionized the mass transit business, making it a lot easier and more convenient on the operator end as well as the customer end. With Covid-19 still going strong, they have halted their mass transit operations indefinitely but has diversified into other areas. This is mainly via their new venture, Airlift Express.

AIRLIFT Express

The formation of AIRLIFT Express follows a trend common to the global transit industry. As companies like Uber have diversified into courier and delivery services to utilize their resources to the maximum, Airlift has also done something similar. 

AIRLIFT Express is their app-based local delivery system that mainly supplies groceries, home supplies, pharmaceuticals as well as other essential goods to users. The user can use the app to order these essentials online, which will then get to them on the same day. The firm aims to complete deliveries under 30-45 minutes, varying depending on the local conditions. The venture has seen massive success, becoming as big as their original business stream of bus transports. 

As transportation has shut down, AIRLIFT aims to take advantage of the rising popularity of online shopping. By providing customers with a fast and easy solution to do their local grocery shopping via website or app, they are utilizing technology to improve the lives of people on both ends, from merchant to customer. 

Goals And Achievements

This company aims to “build a world of self-empowerment using technology-backed logistics solutions that enable safe, reliable and affordable access to necessities.” They focus predominantly on their home turf of Pakistan and are taking advantage of the current need for e-shopping,last-mile delivery services, and the pandemic hindering travel. However, they soon expect to be functioning on all their business fronts as soon as possible. 

Their commitment, simple yet brilliant business model and adaptability have all attracted much attention to the company. They have raked in $24.2 Million in investments across multiple rounds. Backed by US-based Quiet Capital, ACE Ventures, TrueSight ventures, Fatima Gobi Ventures, Indus Valley Capital and many other investors, the company aims to use the funding to expand its network and the scope of its operations. Currently concentrated in and around major cities like Lahore and Karachi, they are bringing a new wave of tech-enabled logistics solutions to their country.

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