Ariana Afghan Airlines has finalized a contract to acquire a charter cargo aircraft, with the plane expected to arrive in the country soon, company officials announced.

The move signals a push by the national carrier to expand its freight capacity and support Afghanistan's commercial sector.

Mullah Bakht-ur-Rehman Sharafat, the head of Ariana Afghan Airlines, stated that the contract underscores the airline's dedication to supporting national businesses. He emphasized that the primary goal is to bolster the country's trade, with a particular focus on exports, and to enhance the reliability and competitiveness of its air transport services.

"The arrival of this cargo plane is a step toward strengthening our logistics network and serving the economic needs of the country," Sharafat said in a statement.

The announcement highlights efforts to develop Afghanistan's air cargo infrastructure, which is crucial for the export of perishable goods and other time-sensitive commodities. The specific model of the aircraft and the details of the contract were not immediately disclosed.

The addition of dedicated cargo capacity is expected to provide a boost to Afghan merchants and exporters, who have often faced logistical hurdles in getting goods to international markets.

Ariana Afghan Airlines, the country's largest carrier, operates a fleet of passenger and cargo aircraft on both domestic and international routes. This new charter service represents a focused investment in its freight division as the airline seeks to play a larger role in facilitating trade. (ILKHA)