Airlink to launch Pakistan’s first Apple iPhone mono-store in December

Airlink Communication Ltd., one of Pakistan’s largest smartphone manufacturers and distributors, will inaugurate the country’s first Apple-designed iPhone mono-store in December, marking a major milestone in the company’s expanding retail network.

The announcement came during the company’s analyst briefing, where management also shared updates on business performance, expansion plans, and financial outlook for fiscal year 2025-26.

Airlink recently achieved a record PKR 280 million in single-day sales during the launch of the Apple iPhone 17, underscoring its position as one of Pakistan’s leading tech retailers.

Despite an increase in borrowings from PKR 6 billion to PKR 22 billion, the company said higher financing costs were passed on to consumers through product pricing, insulating margins. Airlink remains Shariah-compliant, with most of its financing structured under Islamic modes, management reaffirmed.

The company also announced plans to install a 1-megawatt solar power system at its upcoming Special Economic Zone (SEZ) facility by December to enhance energy efficiency and reduce costs.

Airlink’s management expects sales to accelerate in FY26, buoyed by the government’s wheat support price of PKR 3,500 per 40 kg, which could boost rural purchasing power, a key segment of smartphone buyers. The company is also optimistic about receiving export permissions, further diversifying its revenue streams.

The Lahore-based manufacturer operates a facility capable of producing 1.2 million smartphones and 180,000 smart TVs annually, with collaborations across major global brands, including Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Tecno, Acer, iMiki, and Itel.

In FY25, Airlink reported PKR 104 billion in revenue, down 19.5% year-on-year, but net profit rose 2.6% to PKR 4.7 billion, reflecting stronger efficiency and margin control. Earnings per share improved to PKR 12, while dividends increased to PKR 6.5 per share from PKR 6 the previous year.

During the first quarter of FY26, Airlink’s consolidated revenue rose to PKR 24 billion from PKR 22 billion in the same period last year, while net profit nearly doubled to PKR 1.6 billion. The gross margin improved to 13.8%, up from 9.8% a year earlier.

The company projects a PKR 140 billion topline for FY26—a 34% year-on-year increase—supported by sales of up to 100,000 laptops (PKR 2-4 billion), PKR 8 billion in TV sales, and expanded Xiaomi product output. Airlink also plans to introduce a “Buy Now, Pay Later” financing scheme to boost consumer affordability.

Airlink’s factory expansion in the Sundar Industrial Zone will qualify for a tax exemption, expected to reduce its effective tax rate to 17-18% in the coming year and as low as 5-10% thereafter.

The management said gross margins on iPhone resale stand at 8-14%, while laptop sales yield 16-18% gross margins and 6-8% net profit margins.