DUSHANBE, April 8, Asia-Plus  -- Tajikistan’s first private air carrier, Somon Air, has leased Boeing 737-800 from Travel Service Airline (Czech Republic).

Founded in 1997, Travel Service Airline is the largest Czech private air carrier.  Since 2004, it has been operating regular flights in Europe under the “Smart Wings” brand.

The Somon Air deputy director general Firouz Eshonqulov says the leased aircraft was manufactured in 2008 and it is operated by the Czech crew.

Somon Air is based in Dushanbe and its fleet now include three Boeing 737-800s.  Two other Boeings that are being manufactured for Somon Air in Seattle are expected to arrive in Dushanbe next year.