DUSHANBE , June 9, Asia-Plus - The Tajik private air company “Somon Air” director general Mirzo Mastongulov his company will start its activity this summer.

According to him, “Somon Air” is currently negotiating with Iranian air carrier “Mahan Air” the possibility of signing of cooperation agreement.  

“Under this agreement “Somon Air” will use aircraft of the Iranian air company for its activity,” Mastongulov said, noting that they plan to lease two western type airplanes from the Iranian air company in future.  “Most likely, it will be “Airbus-310,” Mr. Mastongulov added.

“The first two-three months air crews and specialists of the Iranian air company will conduct flights and maintain airplanes,” said Mirzo Mastongulov, “Later, pilots and specialists from “Somon Air” who will take training course in the Iranian company will operate and maintain these airplanes.” 

Air activity is just one of two directions of activity of the Iranian holding “Mahan”.  It also assembles Korean cars DAEWOO.   

“It is necessary to take measures to keep good potential of professional aviators working in Tajikistan and create adequate conditions for them,” the “Somon Air” top manager said.  

            He also noted that his company plans to open new air lines to China , the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Europe .   

            NOTES: According to information from the Civil Air Department of the Transport Ministry, at present there is only one air carrier in Tajikistan -- the Tajik State Air Company “Tojikiston”.  Another air enterprise operating in Khujand, “Samar Air” does not have its own airplanes, and it leases airplanes from Tajik national air carrier “Tojikiston”.  “Samar Air” conducts flights only inside the republic.  

18 foreign air carriers are conducting flights to Tajikistan , including 12 air companies from Russia and two air companies from Kyrgyzstan .  Besides, air carriers from China , Afghanistan , Iran and Turkey are also conducting flights to our republic.