Tajikistan's Shohin Airlines Unveils First Aircraft and Signs Agreement with Turkish Airlines

Private airline Shohin Airlines from Tajikistan unveiled the first aircraft in its fleet — a turboprop L 410 NG manufactured by Czech company Aircraft Industries — and signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkish Airlines.

Under the agreement, Shohin Airlines flight and ground personnel will receive training at Turkish Airlines' Pilot Training Academy in Turkey. The airline described the agreement as an important step in the professional development of its staff.

The L 410 NG is capable of operating on relatively short runways, which Tajikistan's Civil Aviation Authority characterized as a "key opportunity for local airports in the country's mountainous regions." The airline plans to develop regional passenger services, including to remote highland areas.

Shohin Airlines was founded last year. The inaugural flight on the new aircraft departed from Dushanbe. Representatives of Tajikistan's Civil Aviation Authority attended the aircraft presentation ceremony.