Ariana Afghanistan eyes ATRs, Boeings for fleet renewal

Ariana Afghan Airlines (FG, Kabul) has outlined plans to renew and replace its fleet that currently comprises two A310-300s and three B737-400s.
Airline personnel told CAPA the state-owned carrier plans to acquire three B737-800s, two B767-200s and two ATR42s by the end of 2019. The aircraft are to be sourced from the second-hand market.
It is hoped the first Avions de Transport Régional turboprop and B737-800 will arrive by the end of 2017.
As such, though the incoming fleet will be used to gradually replace its current jets, Ariana plans to retain the B737-400s for another two years. The aircraft recently completed C checks and thus have another two years of life on the clock. However, with the arrival of the -800s, the older -400s will be gradually weaned off international flights in favour of domestic Afghan services. There they will compliment the ATR42s which will be used to develop services to secondary Afghan towns and cities.
The widebody B767s will be used to replace the A310s.

ch aviation