NEW AIRCRAFT - Ariana Afghan Airlines retenders for two B737-800s

Ariana Afghan Airlines (FG, Kabul) is seeking to purchase two passenger-configured B737-800s. The state-owned airline recently released a request for proposals (RFP) and will accept bids up to and including March 4, 2023.

The procurement process, which will operate according to single stage one envelope protocols, is open to airlines, lessors, and other entities who have the legal right to sign the sale documentation. While Ariana is seeking two aircraft, it will award contracts on a per aircraft basis "based on the lowest and technically responsive evaluated bid."

The airline will not consider aircraft older than 22 years regardless of its condition. The planes need to be fitted with CFM International 56-7B26 engines with at least 3,000 flight cycles remaining. Each plane should not be due for its C-check within six months or 1,000 flight hours (whichever occurs first), and all three sets of landing should have at least four years remaining before their next overhaul.

The Afghani flag carrier presently operates a fleet of four aircraft, including one A310-300, two B737-400s, and one inactive B737-500. The airline flies to Dubai International, Herat, Islamabad International, Jeddah, Kandahar, Mashad, Mazar i Sharif, and Moscow Sheremetyevo. Ariana Afghan Airlines is owned by the Pashtany Bank, an entity owned by Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. All payments, to be made in US dollars, will be processed through escrow accounts held in the UAE or Turkey. Delivery of the aircraft, which should take place within 60 days of signing the contract, will also be to either the UAE or Turkey.

This RFP is the third issued by Ariana in 12 months and appears to be a revision of a July 2022 solicitation for six B737-800s which had similar terms and conditions. In June 2022, the Taliban-controlled carrier released an RFP for the supply of three A330-200s, including one dedicated freighter.
According to the latest RFP, the aircraft should arrive in an combined economy/business class configuration. "Seats, galleys and lavatories shall be clean, serviceable and in good working condition," the bidding documentation says. Final acceptance will be contingent on the satisfactory completion of an acceptance flight based on the manufacturer’s acceptance flight profile for the aircraft type. Bids are due by 0000L (1930Z) on March 4.

CH Aviation