Ariana Afghan Airlines (AAA) to purchase three charter aircraft soon

Ariana Afghan Airlines (AAA), Afghanistan's national flag carrier, is set to significantly expand its operational capabilities with the planned acquisition of three dedicated charter aircraft. This strategic investment, confirmed by the Directorate of State-Owned Enterprises, aims to bolster Afghanistan's export economy by establishing a more efficient air transport system for domestic goods to international markets. The move represents a pivotal step in enhancing the country's commercial connectivity and revitalizing AAA's fleet.

The acquisition specifically targets the critical logistical bottleneck faced by Afghanistan's vital agricultural sector. By creating a dedicated "air bridge," the new fleet will facilitate the rapid and reliable transport of perishable goods, including fresh fruits like pomegranates, grapes, and melons, as well as high-value dried fruits and nuts. These products, which are among Afghanistan's most promising exports, require swift transit to maintain quality and reach distant markets across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, where demand is high.

Bakhtur Rahman Sharafat, the head of Ariana Afghan Airlines, indicated that the carrier is evaluating options from major manufacturers, specifically Boeing or Airbus, for these new aircraft. Each plane is estimated to cost between $25 million and $35 million. This investment is projected to deliver dual economic benefits: significantly reducing transportation costs for Afghan exporters who currently rely on more expensive foreign carriers and complex road routes, and directly increasing Afghanistan's overall export capacity, thereby boosting foreign trade and national revenue.

This fleet expansion marks one of the most substantial investments in Afghanistan's aviation and export infrastructure in recent memory. It signals a focused effort to rebuild AAA's operational capacity, which has been constrained in recent years. A dedicated cargo service will provide Afghan businesses with a more predictable and controlled supply chain, insulating them from the volatility of international freight markets and potentially transforming the country's trade dynamics on the global stage.