Afghan cargo airline destinations likely to include India

Dubai: Afghanistan's newest cargo airline has taken delivery of its first aircraft and is in negotiations to expand its service network beyond Afghanistan, with its first international destinations likely to include the UAE, Western China and India. East Horizon Airlines, which is the first carrier to be certified under the new, internationally compliant Afghan aviation standards, acquired four CASA 212-00 ramp-loading cargo planes from EADS CASA.
The aircraft will make stops in Malta and the UAE for final inspection, maintenance and pilot training before proceeding on to Afghanistan, a statement from the company said.
Once the aircraft arrive in Afghanistan, East Horizon will complete the final operational preparations necessary for the grant of an air operator's certificate (AOC) by the Afghan Aviation Ministry.
East Horizon executives expect the final operating certificate to be awarded in May, 2011, with the airline planning to begin cargo operations the day after the AOC is awarded.
The start of operations will be a welcome milestone for a country determined to rebuild and redevelop its national infrastructure following years of unrest.
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31/03/11 Hindustan Times

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Categories: Cargo Mar 2011, Foreign Mar 2011