War-torn Afghanistan might not seem the obvious location for the next boom in aviation.
But one company that operates there believes an improving political situation could spark a strong economic recovery and a return to the glory days of Afghan aviation - last seen when the country was an emerging tourist and business destination in the 1970s.
Sharjah-based Sonic Jet (stand E538) was formed a year ago to specialise in flight support to charter operators flying to Kabul and other Afghan cities, including non-government organisations and occasionally the military.
However, company president Capt Sallam Jadran - an Afghan national who flew for the country's flag carrier Ariana for 37 years - believes investors and tourists could begin returning once Afghanistan becomes safe, many of them from the large Afghan diaspora throughout the world, including the Gulf. That would create a strong market for business aviation and airlines.
However, political instablility and the lack of the rule of law remain the biggest hurdles. "The only thing everybody fears is the security situation," he says. "I remember the good days [before the Russian invasion in 1979]. There there are huge opportunities for business in Afghanistan - not just in Kabul but Mazar e Sharif and Kandahar too. The people are smart and hard-working but we have to create jobs for them."
Sonic Jet handles up to eight flights a week for about 15 customers, providing services such as permits, cargo handling, catering, fuel, ground transport and crew accommodation.
However, the company hopes to move into operating its own aircraft, with a plan to lease a Bombardier Challenger-size jet next year. "That is the second part of the company," says Jadran.
Source: Flight Daily News