DUSHANBE , February 2, Asia-Plus  -- Top managers of Tajikistan ’s State Air Company “Tojikiston” Wednesday [February 1] gave a news conference in Dushanbe on the results of work carried out by the company in 2005.      

Valery Sharipov, technical director of Tajik national airlines, speaking to journalists noted that of six of the Dushanbe airport’s aircraft TU-154 (four TU-154M and two TU-154B), one has already outlived its service life and been withdrawn from exploitation.  

Sharipov also noted that the Dushanbe airport’s seven Yakovlev-40s, three Antonov-28s and five helicopters “MI-8” were still in good order.  He also added two of the airport’s five helicopters would be sent for major repairs to the Russian city of Omsk .    

The “Tojikiston” technical director also told journalists that Khujand airport had three TU-154, two Antonov-28 and two transport “Antonov-26 

On the issue of leasing two foreign aircraft, Sharipov said the issue was still under consideration.    

            We will recall that under agreement between the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Tajikistan the EBRD will loan Tajik State Air Company “Tojikiston” US$5 million to lease two foreign aircraft.