The Afghan government has instructed Ariana Afghan Airlines (FG, Kabul) to acquire a dedicated freighter and reduce its cargo charges to boost trade. Export cargo rates are set at USD1 per kilogramme, and import rates at USD0.80, while the ministries of finance, transport, and aviation will cut service fees for the airline by 90%. The measures aim to enhance Afghanistan’s trade efficiency and support economic growth.

This follows a cabinet sitting that mandated the state-owned airline to charter a freighter to export fresh produce at no profit to the airline, while also allocating funds to the carrier to buy two in-house cargo planes. Last month, Ariana issued a request for proposals (RFP) that included an A310, A330, or B737-800 freighter.