The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Ariana Afghan Airlines has launched commercial cargo flights to support Afghanistan’s exports and imports, the state-run carrier said Saturday.
Ariana chief Bakhtur Rahman Sharafat said the decision
follows approval from the economic deputy of the Taliban-led Prime Minister’s
Office. Under the new pricing structure, the airline will charge $1 per kilogram
for export shipments and 80 cents per kilogram for imports.
Sharafat said the initiative is aimed at lowering
transportation costs and improving access for Afghan goods to international
markets. He added that Ariana is “fulfilling its national role” by helping move
domestic products abroad.
According to the airline, regular cargo flights are now
transporting fresh and dried fruits, saffron, carpets and other Afghan goods to
multiple countries.
Ariana urged Afghan traders to take advantage of the service
to reduce costs and boost exports, saying it will continue operations despite
ongoing challenges.
