Safi Flies the Flag for Afghan Air Transport Independence
Outsiders might assume that war is the biggest worry for Afghan carrier Safi Airways.
The rebuilding of Afghanistan’s economy will depend on air transport, and independent carrier Safi Airways is trying to take the lead in expanding international services with, among other types, a second Airbus A320. (Photo: Safi Airways)
The rebuilding of Afghanistan’s economy will depend on air transport, and independent carrier Safi Airways is trying to take the lead in expanding international services with, among other types, a second Airbus A320. (Photo: Safi Airways)

Outsiders might assume that war is the biggest worry for Afghan carrier Safi Airways. But, according to Lloyd Carswell, Safi’s chief commercial officer, strong demand for its flights has presented the biggest challenge, largely due to constraints posed by inadequate capacity and facilities at Kabul Airport.

Safi Airways also faces a ban from European airspace due to the European Union’s blacklisting of all Afghan carriers because of the shortcomings of the country’s safety regulation. However, officials of the privately owned airline remain confident Safi will soon find a solution. Within the next few weeks, they expect to decide whether to resume services to Europe through an ACMI lease (covering aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance provided by a partner) or by operating under the AOC of another carrier.