issue No.

9 july/august 2011

Afghanistans Independence Day

Celebration of Independence Day

A symbol of courage and valor

Kabul National Museum

Afghanistans Historical Identity

National Museum, Afghanistans historical...

Ramadan

Ramadan is the month during which Muslims

fast. They refrain from eating and drinking...

Afghan National Army

In Bonn Conference which was held in 2001, it

was decided that 70,000 Afghan Army forces...

...

...

Book Your Tickets Now:

+93 20 222 2222

www.saairways.com

Kabul Melli Group of Companies was

established in 1979, as the first major
military Boots, Uniform, spring and foam
Mattresses, and OCIE manufacture in
Afghanistan.
Today, the lead the market in the country
as the leading manufacturer of a wide range
of OCIE products, such as summer Boots,
Winter Boots, (both Tan and Black), Afghan
National Army and Afghan National Police
Uniforms, Spring and foam mattresses and
other OCIE items.
It is a large and comprehensive enterprise
with strong technology, excellent delivery,
and good credit. It has won great reputation in the market during the last years.
In the mean while, Kabul Melli Boots are
mostly used by Afghan National Army and
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are providing Boots for Afghan Military. We
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Telephone
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Email
farhad@milligroup.net
milligroup@yahoo.com
milligroup@gmail.com
Website
www.milligroup.net

Cargo
Construction
Property & Contents
Group Personal Accident
Motor Fleet (Passenger & Commercial)

Contents

Contents
9
14
18
22
28
30

Info
Chairman message

Safi Airways development programs is not limited to starting domestic and International flights
from Kabul...

History
Afghanistans Independence Day
Celebration of Independence Day
A symbol of courage and valor

History
Kabul National Museum

Afghanistans Historical Identity

National Museum, Afghanistans historical...

Culture
Ramadan

Ramadan is the month during which Muslims

fast. They refrain from eating and drinking...

Info
Safi Airways

New route to New Delhi

On the 16th of June, Safi Airways launched...

Info
Afghan National Army

In Bonn Conference which was held in 2001, it

was decided that 70,000 Afghan Army forces...

Telephone No
+93799446560
+971507428273
Email
info.karoora@gmail.com
Website
www.karoora.net

In-flight Magazine

Photo By | Shafi Shadab

Produced by

Chief Editor:
Art Director:
Editors:
Translator:
Art Assisstant:
Reporter:

Said Zahid Danial

Muhammad Shafi Shadab
Sayed Yahya Hazin & Nermeen Bishady
Hosain Ahmadi
Asad Changizi
Javid Rostapor

Chairman message

Chairman message
Dear Afghan Citizens and Passengers!
As the Chairman of Safi Airways I proudly say that Safi
Airways is constantly striving to improve its services for a
brighter future for the company and more importantly for
the people of Afghanistan and the world. We are working
on keeping up to date with the latest technologies in service
of the company and bringing innovations and ground-breaking changes to Afghanistans aviation industry. As a result
of these endeavors we will soon begin our domestic flight
schedules in the country. First of them is Kabul-Herat-Kabul
flights with Airbus A320, which is a turning point in bringing high quality and standard services in domestic flights of
Afghanistan. It is important to mention that it is the first time that Airbus A320, which is one of the modern aircrafts of the world, is used in domestic flights and Safi Airways is proud of that.
Safi Airways development programs is not limited to starting domestic and International flights from
Kabul; we are bearing in mind international standards and improving flight safety and services in order to
complete the development programs. Therefore Safi Airways is planning to introduce a new Airbus 320
to its air fleet in a few days. This state-of-the-art aircraft is equipped with the latest safety measures and
comfortable seats which will provide the passengers with memorable flights. Safi Airways Kabul-DelhiKabul flights, which is now 4 flights per week will increase to 7 flights weekly after Airbus A320 starts
is work.
I must point out that the moral support from you, dear passengers, who choose Safi Airways as their serving airline, is a motivation for us to improve our service to reach the utmost quality.
Once again, thank you for choosing Safi Airways for travelling to your destinations in different parts of
the world. I wish you a peaceful life full of joy.

Ghulam Hazrat Safi

Chairman of Safi Group

In-flight Magazine

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Editorial

Editorial Message
Welcome to Safi Airways flight. I am delighted to present you the new issue
of Safi Airways In-flight Magazine, which is the result of me and my colleagues hard work. We hope the contents of this issue will fill every moment
of your flight with joy.
As you may know, lately the process of transferring security responsibilities
from International Forces to Afghan National Army has begun, and passed its
first stage; Afghan citizens ten years of waiting is finally paying off.
Ten years ago, Afghanistan had just recuperated from the miseries of war. It
did not have an army, or a functioning ruling government, but during the past
couple of years, Afghanistan has assumed a democratic system, a parliament
whose members are chosen by nations vote, and an organized National Army
consisting of more than 17,0000 forces. These developments are all due to
cooperation from the International Community, especially the United States of
America.
The power transfer process, which began in July 2011, is in spotlight of media
and political gathering and it is also of extreme significance to people of Afghanistan, because after ten years of hard work, the government has paved the
way for transfer of security responsibilities to the National Army. That is what
Afghans have been waiting for.
Besides these, developments made in education, new governmental and private institutions, making new job opportunities, building infrastructures and
factories in centers of provinces, reconstruction of the belt roads, construction
of new towns, developing business market throughout the country are among
the responsibilities that will be transferred to Afghans along with transfer of
army responsibilities.
Head of the transition Security Responsibilities committee who gave a speech
on the day of transferring responsibilities, said: The government promises
people that the process of transferring security responsibilities is not limited to
army side, but the government is looking forward to planning bigger programs
in the country in order to create more job opportunities.
Nevertheless, Afghan people support Afghan National Army in bringing peace
and they will try hard to defend their country and its independence. Taking
security responsibilities is not only duty of the National Army and National
Police, but every Afghan citizen is responsible, because Afghanistan belongs
to all the Afghans. Each and every Afghan has to prove their loyalty and patriotism, like they have done in old times. They have fought with some of the
greatest powers of their time and assumed their freedom and independence.
Today, they stand beside the National Army and Police to have a free Afghanistan with a faithful National Army and Police. InshaAllah
At the end I appreciate your valuable time spent studying this magazine
should you have any criticize, suggestions or comments that can help improve
quality of the magazine will be warmly welcomed by the management of the
magazine. To share your ideas please email us at info.karoora@gmail.com

Yours Truly,
Said Zahid Danial
Chief Editor

12 In-flight Magazine

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Historical

18
1919
Afghanistan
August

independence day

Celebration of Independence Day; A symbol of courage and valor

Nations, in order to bring light and freedom to their land, sometimes have to embrace
the sun. During the course of history, Afghanistan has had the courage to keep their
independence and freedom for many times and successfully passed the historys test.

14 In-flight Magazine

Historical
The great Ariana, with more than five
thousand years of history, has witnessed
the courage of its men, and has always
been considered as the birthplace of civilization and culture in east.
Afghanistan gained its independence in
August 18, 1919, and this day is celebrated and commemorated as a turning
point in the history of Afghanistan, since
it granted Afghanistans independence
from Britain.
The warriors who fought for the independence and freedom, saved Afghanistan
from the incursions of British army,
raised Afghanistans flag over the highest
peaks of Hindu Kush and Baba mountains forever, and their act of courage and
gallant will be always remembered by
their successors.
Afghans wars to assume their freedom
and independence was a manifestation of
their courage and patriotism, since they
fought empty-handed against one of the
greatest superpowers of their time and
ensured the freedom of their country by
giving their lives and showed the universe that Afghanistan belongs to them
and their successors.
At that time, the British assumed they
could rule over Afghanistan and its people, but Afghan citizens patriotism and
self-sacrifice, which was a legacy handed
down to them from their ancestors, did
not let the British armys dreams come
true and they returned to their country
empty-handed.
After Afghanistan fought out the British
in year 1919, the young King Amanullah
Khan Ghazi took control and declared independence. A hundred years before that,
Afghans had passed bloody wars with the
colonial empire of the Great Britain.
Location of Afghanistan on the Silk
Route, made it important as the junction
of great civilizations and a great commercial center of its time.
This very important Geostrategic and
Geopolitical location has had an important role in forming a reach cultural
mosaic in Afghanistan like those of
Arians, Greeks, Mesopotamians, and
Indians. From the Paleolithic to different
ages of history, people of Afghanistan,
also known as Arians of ancient east,

have had significant part in introducing

and preaching great religions, also in
commerce and market, and even sometimes it has been the political and cultural
center of Asia. These features have made
Afghanistan also a center of incursions
and invasions for the powerful rulers of
different eras that you can still find the
trace of their horses footprints in different parts of Afghanistan.
But the people of this land have defended
their country through all the eras of history, which is honorable and worthy of
praise.
Afghan Independence Day and the victory of Afghans can be called the miracle
of its time, because their financial and
political situation of the country was very
different at that time, but the thing that
makes this victory bold, is the courage
and resistance in such a difficult situation. The British had never imagined that
they would encounter such a loss in this
geographical location.
During the first days of King Amanullahs reign, Anti-Anglo feelings reached
its peak among the people, because they
believed that Great Britain must have
granted independence of Afghanistan
due to its neutral policy towards World
War one, but it did not happen, therefore people became more angry, until it
reached its final level Afghans encountered British army and finally assumed
their independence from Britain.
The beginning of Amaniah dynasty in
Afghanistan, not only coincided with
freedom of Afghanistan, but in this era,
complete administrative reforms were
conducted and ignited the first flares of
democracy in Afghanistan, which in turn
resulted in cultural development of the
country.
Other examples of Afghans courage
are the wars against Soviets Red Army,
when they forced Soviet Union out of
the country. They also fought against the
Taliban and invading Arabs. These are
all evidences of Afghans patriotism and
freedom.
Happy Independence Day of Afghanistan!

In-flight Magazine 15

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Address: Jamshid Hasanzada Plaza, Salang Watt,opposite old Enhesaarat, Kabul Afghanistan
Telphone: +93 (0) 799 446 560/ Email: info@karoora.net/ info.karoora@gmail.com/ Web: www.karoora.net

Historical

KA BUL

NATIONA L
MUSEUM
Afghanistans
Historical Identity
National Museum, Afghanistans historical identity
Afghanistans National Museum, which is considered
one of the most valuable treasuries of the Central Asia, is
holder of some invaluable objects.
Antiquities, stone sculptors, coins some of which are more
than 1000 years old, old manuscripts, paintings, and dozens of other precious objects are kept at this museum.
Afghanistan National Museum was founded in 1297 Hijri
Khorshidi in Bagh-e Bala District of Kabul.
During the first years of its foundation, the museum was
called Ajayib Khana (House of Wonders). At that time
the House of Wonders contained old Manuscripts of
Quran, Handicraft pieces, objects remaining from the independence wars periods, and some rare books.
In year 1303 Khorshidi, The National Museum was moved
from Bagh-e Bala to Arg of Kabul and officially inaugurated by King Amanullah Khan.
Afghanistans first constitution, which was passed during
Amanullah Khan, had a comprehensive article regarding
excavations, restraining historical objects, and a place
designated for that purpose.
According to this law, it was decided that an Excavation and Museum Bureau work under the supervisions of
Ministry of Education. One of the most important duties of
this bureau was to discover, secure, and move the objects
to National Museum.
Since Afghan government did not have the required facilities and manpower to conduct excavations, it signed a
contract with Government of France.
According to the contract, it was agreed upon that a French
party, under the supervision of Monsieur Fooshe, help
Afghan archaeologists in excavations and discoveries.
This contract gave the French the right to take one of two
18 In-flight Magazine

identical found artifacts to France.

Ahmad Ali Kahzad, historian and archaeologist, was one
of the people who helped the French paty in their excavations and searches for historical objects.
After Nadir Khan took the throne, the Inventory at National Museum was moved to Dar-ul-Aman Palace and
each category was allocated its own special place. During
the long years of war, especially Soviet Unions invasion,
most of the objects of National Museum were looted and
some old sculptors were destroyed.
Membership of UNESCO: During Zahir Shahs reign,
Afghanistan was allowed membership at United Nations
Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization. Due to
Afghanistans archaeological virginity, a lot of countries
became interested in Afghanistan.
During Muhammad Zahir Shahs reign, some of the
objects at the National Museum were registered by
UNESCO, and archaeologists from France, Italy, Germany
and Soviet Union, traveled to Afghanistan to find more
historical objects. Said Ahmad Zia Nikbin, a professor at
Kabul University.
He also mentioned that during Davood Khans reign, National Museum turned into a great collection because every
day new discoveries were made.
According to Mr. Nikbin, one of the most interesting features of National Museum is that all the objects at display
have been excavated and found in Afghanistan only and
not from other countries.
Objects: Marble Buddhist carvings, Indian Ivories, Stone
objects belonging to pre-history period, Roman Bronzes,
Coins of different eras, sculptors belonging to B.C time,
were only a part of National Museum, some of which are
still at display at the Meuseum.

Historical

Objects from the Islamic period made up another important section of the museum. Some of the most important
pieces were a Quran manuscript written by Osman bin-e
Offan, Calligraphy of Some verses Quran by Imam Hasan,
and another Quran in Koofi Calligraphy which was found
in Ghulghula City in 1334 Khorshidi.
Some of the great Dari poems, including Abdul Rahman
Jamis Haft Owrang, Nezami Ganjawais Haft Paikar,
Hasht Behesht (the Eight Heavens) , Laily and Majnoon of
Amir Khosrow Dehlavi, which were written and ornamented by hand in 899 Hijri, also made up a part of the objects
of the museum.
Other important artifacts of the museum include miniature
paintings from Ostad Kamal-ud Din Behzad.
Dr. Sayyed Makhdum Rahin, Minister of Information and
Culture said in an interview: Due to exceeding number of
the objects found, some other museums are opened in cities other than Kabul, including: Herat, Ghazni, Maymana,
Balkh and Qandahar, from which Herat Museum, with
more than 4000 pieces of objects, is the greatest of them.
Minister of Information and Culture also mentioned that
after Mujahidins fall and Talibans invasion of Kabul,
most of the objects at other provinces museums were
destroyed by Taliban, because of their attitude towards
sculptors, that considered them taboo.
Saving some of the objects: Omar Khan Masoudi, an
authority at Kabul Museum, was the only person who
protected the inventories during the civil war and Talibans
reign by personally moving them to secure places.
He received the Princess Klaus award for saving Afghan
National Museums objects, in year 1384 Hijri Khorshidi.
When the Internationally sponsored Afghan government
started its work, efforts were made to rebuilt the museums
of Afghanistan, and Kabul museum was rebuilt during a
one year period funded by $350,000 from other countries.
Returning the objects which were looted out of the museum and smuggled to Pakistan and then European countries,
was one of the important plans by Ministry of Information
and Culture.
Some of the Medias at that time claimed that Nasirullah
Babor, Minister of Internal Affairs of Pakistan, had some
of the objects.
Sayyed Makhdum Rahin, in a letter ro Nasirullah Babor,
officially asked him to return the looted objects.
During the previous years, with UNESCOs aid and
MoICs activities, a large number of the objects were
returned from European countries, although some of them
are still kept at European countries.
Lately, MoIC has announced that it has started new excavations in different areas of the country.
With all the endeavors, Afghanistans National Museum, is
far from its postwar magnificence and importance.
In-flight Magazine 19

Historical

Photo by | Shafi Shadab

Photo by | Shafi Shadab

20

In-flight Magazine

Historical

Photo by | Shafi Shadab

Photo by | Shafi Shadab

In-flight Magazine 21

Culture

Ramadan
Ramadan is the month during which Muslims fast. They refrain from eating and
drinking, and avoid obscene and irreligious sights and hearings from sunrise till
sunset, and also repent from their sins. Apart from the religious perspectives,
fasting during Ramadan has some physiological and psychological benefits for
the faster; it is a time period for the stomach to rest after one year of activity.
During Ramadan you do not have enough power to speak much, dispute, or
overwork, that is why you gain a spiritual cleansing and enlightment. Fasting may
seem hard or useless to some non-Muslims, but medical research regarding this,
proves that those ideas are wrong.
In many countries of the world, people suppress their anger by counting backwards from 10 to 1. If you are a busy business owner, during Ramadan fasting,
you may find it joyful that you do not have enough energy to shout over your
workers, your work atmosphere is soothing, your employees are more satisfied
with you, and work efficiency increases.

22

In-flight Magazine

Culture

If you feel indifferent towards your family, work place, or the world you are living in, fast! Fasting will give you an idea
of how your newly born baby feels when
he is hungry and not able to communicate
his hunger, moreover you will learn the
feeling of the poor when they do not have
access to food and water.
Muslims believe that along with medical
and psychological benefits, fasting will
gain them Thawab (positive points given
to good doers) that they can use in the
world after. During Ramadan Muslims
help their neighbors, friends and poor
people more often, spend more time with
their families and relatives, especially
for having Iftar, the fast-breaking meal,
together.
After a month of fasting, Muslims return
to their original eating habit by celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr. Eid-ul-Fitr is the first day
of Shawwal month, which is exactly one
day after the last day of Ramadan. It is a
time of festivity. In most of the Muslim
countries Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated as a
three-day holiday, during which people
go to feastings and visiting relatives.
People host their guests with varieties of
sweet meals and confections. During the
celebrations Muslims put on their finest
clothes and go sightseeing.

In-flight Magazine 23

Culture

Shopping for Eid

Shopping for Eid and other special events has

been practiced from old times and is a part of
our old culture and traditions.
Groceries and dried fruit markets are busy near
to Eid.
Kabul roads are busier than any other time of
the year, because most of the families come to
shop for Eid.
In Nadir Pashtuns Road, we go inside a confectionary where there are women and girls
busy buying cookies for Eid.
Shopping for Eid is different from other shoppings. Most of those who are engaged, must
prepare their Eid gifts (Eidies) before Eids
arrival and go to their fiances home with their
mothers and give the gifts. This is not only a
tradition, but a seriously considered custom
that is also a competition between the groom
and brides families.
Cakes which are ordered in several levels
are among the very special gifts that must be
included in the Eidies taken to fiances home.
Haft Mewa (A kind of fruit salad), cookies,
clothes for bride, and a dress for mother-inlaw and clothes for father-in-law, must also be
included in the gifts that are taken to brides
house.
Eids table setting is another tradition. It is
decorated with dried fruits, cakes and cookies,
which are purchased a couple of days before
Eids. During the three days of Eid, guests
come in groups to congratulate the festival.
Respecting these traditions has roots in Afghans old culture, and they are especially
important to the elderly, who believe that going
for visits during Eids can develop and maintain
relationships that can be trusted later.

24 In-flight Magazine

Info

issue 7,8,9
in-flight magazine

are available on
www.safiairways.com

In-flight Magazine 25

Interview

Safi Airways is better

in comparison to its past
Following you will find an exclusive interview with
Mr. Najafi.
Q. Mr. Najafi, Thank you for giving us your time.
As the first question, Could you name the changes
and programs you have brought to the Ministry
during the previous year?
A. The first task that should be taken care of in a
Ministry is constitution. At the time I started my
work the existing law belonged to year 1972, which
could not satisfy the needs of air and land transport
at that time.
Second, I brought reformations upon which we had
agreements with Afghanistan Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission. We employed
professionals in the posts related to Aviation section,
and today we are working on the capacities of the
available posts.

Daud Ali Najafi

Function: Acting Minister of Transportation
and Civil Aviation.
Education: Has MBBS (Medical Science) and
MA in Management from Pakistan\
Before being candidate for Ministry of Transportation and Civil Aviation, Mr. Najafi worked
as the Deputy of the Independent Election
Commission at the second Presidential election. After completion of his mission as the
Deputy of IEC he was designated as a candidate for the post of Ministry of Transportation,
but did not receive the Vote of Confidence from
the Parliament. Since last year he has been
serving as the Acting Minister of Transportation and Civil Aviation.

26 In-flight Magazine

Q. What programs have you conducted regarding training professional personnel, because one
of the main issues of Afghan ministries is lack of
professionally trained personnel?
A. During the previous year, the Aviation Academy
has been founded with cooperation of Germany. The
organization will be beneficial in terms of professional trainings, since it has courses up to the level
of Masters in aviation with modern international
standards.
It used to be a two-year degree institution under
supervision of the Ministry, but has been updated to
a university which offers degrees in Masters, which
can address the aviation needs of the region.
Q. What activities have been done in land transport sector, especially for urban transportation?
A. Our main focus is on developing a policy by
which we can improve urban transportation, therefore we are seriously considering solving urban
transportation problems and we have big plans in
cooperation with Kabul municipality.
We are purchasing 1000 busses from India with a
budget of $100 million.
We are planning to connect Kabul to other provinces
through land transport, however, air transport plays
an important role in connecting the capital to other
areas, since Afghanistan is a landlocked country
which needs an efficient air transport. Private sectors
cooperation is also needed besides governmental
sector to address the transportation need of Afghanistan.

Interview

Q. What has been done in rebuilding the airports?

A. There has been improvements in rebuilding Afghanistan airports, but we are not planning to cease
the activities until all the provincial airports are able
to function according to international standards of
the aviation.
Currently there are four international airports in
Afghanistan, which include Kabul International Airport, Herat, Mazar Sharif, and Qandahar. Last year,
during the Hajj season, we had non-stop flights from
these airports to Saudi Arabia.
Progress is being made in local airports. Faiz Abad
Airport is one of the airports which is almost complete. Chakhcharan will soon be opened. Badghais
and Faryaab are being complete. Rebuilding of these
airports had a cost around $65 million.
Khost, Bamyian, Nimruz, and Ghazni airports are
being opened this year, which we have started the
volunteer work. The budget for these projects is
determined. A new runway is to be built for the
Kabul International Airport by Japan. It will cost $27
million.
Q. Afghan flights have been blacklisted in some
European countries. What measures have been
taken to solve the problems?
A. In order to solve the mentioned problem there has
been debates, we also had a trip to Brussels, which
has solved most of the problems, and as part of the
next agenda the European Air Transport Union is
going to invite Afghanistans Minister of Transportation to participate in debates regarding the issue.
And we will give reports about the developments
made in Afghanistans Aviation Industry.
Q. How satisfied are you with performance of the
private airlines?
A. The performances of the private airlines are good,
but not fully satisfactory of the Ministrys expectations. We hope that in the near future their flights
get better both in terms of number of flights and
timetables.
Q. Among the three operating companies, one
governmental and two private companies, which
one has the best performance?
A. Safi Airways is better in comparison to its past,
and it is better than the two other companies in terms
of service and management.
Q. How much is the amount of Ministrys yearly
income?

A. Last year income of the Ministry was $80 million,

part of which belonged to Air Transport and another
part to Land Transport.
Q. How much is the budget of Ministry of Transportation and Civil Aviation?
A. The budget that government has allocated is
around 378 million Afghanis, which is actually a low
budget.
Donors have helped around $100 million, and we
spend the money on rebuilding, development, and
training the personnel.
Q. What are your long-term plans?
A. We have offered a plan to the parliament which
includes all the necessary points, and Kabul Municipality, Ministry of Finance, Kabul Traffic Department, Ministry of Urban development are among the
organizations that should cooperate with the Ministry of Transportation in order to successfully conduct
the plan. The plan is given to the Cabinet and we
hope that we will receive their cooperation. We are
also hoping to start two lines of electrical busses to
smoothen the traffic of Kabul.
Q. At the end, do you have any messages that you
want Safi Magazine to convey?
A. No matter in what area are we working, we have
to serve our country and rebuild it.

In-flight Magazine 27

News

Safi Airways

On the 16th of June, Safi Airways launched a new route to Delhi

from Kabul. This move was to serve Afghans living abroad and
also serve Diplomats and Indians who travel to Kabul.With growing demands for this sector and an increase in number of visitors in
the region, Safi Airways will fly this route4 times weekly, operating
on an Airbus 320 which has a capacity of 12 business class seats
and 132 economy seats. Safi Airways has thus provided direct access to its passengers between the two hubs.

28 In-flight Magazine

News

The New Delhi route is the first new route since

the new management team has come on board.
With the new senior management team on
board, the airline is destined to an uphill growth.
The team has plans to expanding its network
to other destinations in the next one year hence
providing various destinations to their passengers, whilst still maintaining the integrity of the
airline.
Safi Airways also flies to Dubai from Kabul two
times a week and has 4 aircrafts as part of the
fleet with the 5th Aircraft arriving in September.
The new route to New Delhi has new crew
members and refurbished seats. The ICAO complaint airline aims to restructure the airline with
increased safety standards, improving services,
increasing productivity of the highest possible
standards.
With future plans of total restructure of the
airline and establishing long term business
plans and model that is economically viable and
successful, Safi Airways aims to be the ideal
airline for travelers flying to and from Kabul.
The airline is aiming to add more destinations
with Herat, Europe and China in the pipeline
next year.
Safi Airways is working towards increasing the
frequency and capacity to the Indian subcontinent with possible reach to South East Asia in
the coming months.
Travelers can now purchase the flight to Delhi
online the Safi Airways website www.safiairways.com and through Amadeus, major GDS
with all IATA travel agents worldwide.

In-flight Magazine 29

Info

National Army has National and International Credit

Safi Airways In-flight Magazines Exclusive interview with
General Zahir Azimi, Ministry of Defense Spokesman,
regarding the National Army and its activities during the
past few years
Security force, especially the Army is an element of
extreme significance, because security is needed to ensure the territorial independence of a country. Afghan
government established the National Army under the
authority of Ministry of Defense after the Bonn Agreement in year 2001. Since then National Armys forces
are fighting the terrorism alongside the National Police
and International Forces to bring peace and security
to Afghanistan.
In Bonn Conference which was held in 2001, it was
decided that 70,000 Afghan Army forces with light arms
would be adequate to ensure the security of the country,
but security conditions and geographical position of the
country proved wrong. After the challenges faced by the
United States encountered, International society, especially the United States decided to increase the forces
in quantity and enhance the quality of their equipment
in order for the Army to take responsibility of security.
Development and enhancing the army institutions with
advanced equipments has been taken care of after the year
2007, and today the number of troops in National Army
has reached 170,000, which is expected to reach 200,000
by 2014.
30 In-flight Magazine

Info

The National Army is not complete in terms of quantity and quality. The Ministry of Defense is planning to
increase the equipment capacity of the Army, so that they
are armed with standard equipments of the world. According to Ministry of Defense Spokesman, 1 billion and 450
million dollars has been spent on buying new equipment
during the previous month, including 500 armored tanks.
The National Armys works and activities in fighting
against terrorism and bringing security to the country
have brought them national and more importantly international credit. Ministry of Defense has increased the
administrative and management capacities of the Army up
to the point where Army has been able to manage some
very important missions, including Maarja Mission in
Helmand, and Mission Qandahar, which are good examples of development in the National Army. The National
Army is also planning an 18 months schedule, which is
conducted by the commanders of the National Army.
The National Army has established several Army Bases
adequately armed and equipped in different areas of the
country, including Qandahar Base, which is the most
powerful Army force in the country. We can also name,
Base 201, in Jalal Abads Seilab, 209 Shahin in Mazar-e
Sharif, Ferqa 111, and some other Army Bases, which
are mainly trained in foreign countries, and the rest has
passed the 10-months trainings periods in Afghanistan.
These forces have had good influence in night missions,
therefore it can be claimed that the National Army has
increased capacity in training commandos.
If we compare our country in terms of security with two
years before, we see that the result is satisfying and positive. Unsafe provinces of last year are today 100% secure, and the enemy cannot encounter the National Army
directly or it has been completely removed from power.
Therefore we can say that the Army is in good condition
and improving, and ready for the transition of responsibility.

In-flight Magazine 31

Info

The National Army has several military education institutions that admit new students through selective exams,
among which we can name the National Military Academy which conforms to International standards, especially to the American system of WestPoint, and it admits
students in more than 30 fields annually. The admitted
students are educated and trained theoretically and practically. One of the features of this Academy is that it also
educates students in non-military fields as well. They also
have to learn English language besides Dari and Pashtu.
Every year students use scholarships in fields of Air force,
Medicine, Engineering, Law and etc, to study in foreign
countries.
The National Armys troops, who are being educated in
six zones of the country, use the literacy programs. And
today more than 90% of the illiterate forces of the Army
are able to write and read efficiently.
Ministry of Defense has more than 1000 woman personnel, which include Generals, Colonels and other ranks.
Efforts are also made to increase the number of women
forces in the Army.
The National Army will take responsibility of providing
national and territorial security of the country. Fortunately there has been agreement between the Ministry of
Defense and International forces, by which International
forces, especially the United States will arm and equip
Afghanistans National Army.

32 In-flight Magazine

Sightseeing

Darulaman
Palace

Kings residence
in summer

The palace build by king Amanullah Khan in the

1920s is set into a small hill in front of the Kabul museum with the once impressive four-mile
avenue, which was once lined with poplars, past
the former soviet embassy, school and ministries
leading it.
Fighting from 1920 onwards destroyed the building
but it remains one of the most impressive, albeit
shattered structure in Kabul.
The palace was used by king Amanullah in summer (his residency in winter time was located in
Jalalabad) and was later used as the justice ministry
and defense ministry.
The equally striking former defense ministry is on
the hills behind.

Kabul
City wall

Along the
mountain ridges

The Kabul city wall is still is pretty good condition,

running west-east from Babar Gardens over the
Bala Hissar (about 3 km in distance). It is a pleasant hike with rewarding view over the city. The
famous wall, which are staggering 20 feet high and
12 feet thick, start at the natural fortress and follow
the mountain ridge in a sweeping curve down to the
river.

In-flight Magazine 33

Book Your Tickets Now:

+971 4 295 1040

www.saairways.com

CM

MY

CY

CMY

Book Your Tickets Now:

+93 20 222 2222

www.saairways.com

Entertainment

Play this
game
With y
our par

Test your tner

eyes and
Count how
mind!
many

times
favorite
person ap your
pea
among the
se portra rs
its

In-flight Magazine 37

Entertainment

The way you

sign autograph

c
t accept logi
no
es
do
se
wi
counter-clock- nter-logic.
Those who sign
cou
ey are in fact
easily and th
Those who use horizontal lines in their signatures are
stubborn and persistent in what they do.

Those who us
e vertical l
ines have
orderly char
acteristics.

Th
or ose
de wh
rl o
y
ch use
ar ve
ac rt
te ic
ri al
st
ic lin
s. es

Thos
e
Those who use pressure in signing
skep who us
tic
e ab
have had a hard childhood.
peop
s
le i tract l
n na
i
ture nes are
.
actu
ally

ha
ve

Those who sign their first and surname in their autographs

consider themselves superior to other members of their family.

Those who write only their

surnames are respected people.

and
in circles its.
n
g
i
s
o
h
w
Those
reach summ
o
t
t
n
a
w
ellipses,

Those wh
od
their tr raw a line over
ue chara
cteristi their names hav
cs.
e not di
scovered
38 In-flight Magazine

+97142865060

www.shahistarestaurant.com

info@shahistarestaurant.com

Address

Find

Embassies ATMs Hotels

EMBASSIES
Embassy of Canada
House #256, Street 15,
Wazeer Akbar Khan
P.O.Box 2052
Tel: 0799 742 800
E-mail: kabul@international.gc.ca
Embassy of Italy
Great Masoud Road
Tel: 0202 103 144
E-mail: ambasciata.kabul@esteri.it
cannazionali.ambkabul@esteri.it
Embassy of China
Shah Mahmood Ghazi Watt
Tel: 0202 102 545
Fax: 0202 102 728
E-mail: Chinaemb_af@mfa.gov.cn
Ambassador: Zheng Qinqdian

HOTELS
Embassy of The United Arab Emirates
Shah Mahmud Ghazi Watt
Tel: 0202 101 389
E-mail: uaemkbl@hotmail.com

Safi Landmark Hotel & Suites

Charahi Ansari
www.safilandmarkhotelsuits.com
Tel: 0202 203 131

Embassy of Iran
Peace Avenue, Charrahi Sirpur
Tel: 0202 101 391
Fax: 0202 101 396
E-mail: iranembassy-kbl@yahoo.com

Park Star Hotel

Share Naw, Ansari Square Yaftali St.
www.parkstarhotel.com
Tel: 0777 220 221/ 0706 220 221

Embassy of the United Kingdom

Off Street 15, Roundabout,
Wazeer Akbar Khan
P.O.Box 334
Tel: 0700 102 273
Fax: 0093 70 010 2250
E-mail: britishembassy.kabul@fco.gov.uk
www.ukinafghanistan.fco.gov.uk

Embassy of the Netherlands

House #2&3, Street 4, Ghiassudeen Watt
Shahr-e Naw
Tel: 0700 286 641
E-mail: kab@minbuza.nl
www.minbuza.nl

Embassy of the United States of America

Great Masoud Road
Tel: 0700 108 001
E-mail: usconsulkabul@state.gov
www.kabul.usembassy.gov

Embassy of Tajikistan
Tel: 0202 300 392
E-mail: kabultj@tojikistan.com

ATMs

Embassy of India
Malalai Watt, Shahr-e Naw
Tel: 020 220 0185
Fax: 0093 202 203 818
E-mail: embassy@ildembassy-kabul.com
amb.kabul@mea.gov.in
Web:meakabul.nic.in

AIB main office, opposite of camp Eggers

(AIB)

Embassy of Pakistan
House #10, Najat Watt Road,
Opposite (WHO office)
Wazeer Akbar Khan
Tel: 0202 300 911
E-mail: pareapkabul@yahoo.com
www.mofa.gov.pk/afghanistan.af
Embassy of Spain
Right Lane 3, Shirpur
Tel: 0202 203 787
E-mail:emb.kabul@maec.es

40 In-flight Magazine

Kabul City Center, Shahr-e Naw (AIB)

AIB Shahr-e Naw Branch, next to Chelsea

Supermarket (AIB)
HQ ISAF, Outside Cianos Pizzeria, US
Embassy Street (AIB)
KAIA Military Airbase, Outside Cianos Pizzeria, Airport (AIB)
Finest Supermarket, Wazeer Akbar Khan
(AIB)

Kabul Serena Hotel

Froshgah Street
www.serenahotels.com
Tel: 0799 654 000
The Intercontinental Hotel
Baghe Bala Road
www.intercontinentalkabul.com
Tel:0202 201 321
Gandamack Lodge Hotel
Sherpur Square
gandamacklodge@yahoo.com
www.gandamacklodge.co.uk
Tel: 0700 276 937, 0798 511 111
Heetal Plaza Hotel
Street14, Wazir Akbar Khan
www.heetal.com
Tel: 0799 167 824, 0799 159 697
Sanpo Guesthouse
(former Unica Guesthouse)
Royal Matress
Haji Yaqoob Square
The International Club
Haji Yaqoob Square, Street 3, Shahr-e Naw
Tel: 0774 763 358
Golden Star Hotel
Haji Yaqoob Square, Shahre-e Naw
www.kabulgoldenstarhotel.com
Tel:0799 333 088, 0799 557 281

World Bank Guard Hut, Street 15, Wazeer

Akbar Khan (Standard Chartered)

Roshan Hotel
Charaye Turabaz Khan, Shahr-e naw
Tel: 0799 335 424

Stnadard Chartered Branch, Street 10, Wazeer Akbar Khan (Standard Chartered)

Diana Inn Hotel & Restaurant

Street 15 Left on Lane 3, Wazeer Akbar Khan

Here

Address

Restaurants Coffee Shops

RESTAURANTS
Shaamiana
Charahi Ansari, Shahre naw
www.safilandmarkhotelsuits.com
Tel: 020 444 4444

Afghan
Jirga Restaurant
Street 10, Left Lane 1, House #255
Tel: 077 730 0090

Easyfood/Delivery
Delivers food from any restaurant to your
place
www.easyfood.af
Tel:0796 555 000, 0796 555 001

Red Hot Sizzlin Steakhouse

District 16, Macroyan 1, Nader Hill Area,
0799 733 468

Boccaccio
Restaurant
+93 799 200 600
Boccacciorestaurant@hotmail.com
Sufi
Street 1 Qalae Fatullah Main Rd
www.sufi.com.af
Tel: 0774 212 256, 00700 210 651
Herat Restaurant
Shahr-e Naw main Rd, Diogonally oposite of
Cinema Park
Khosha Restaurant
Above the Golden Star Hotel
Tel: 0799 888 999
Marcopolo INN
3rd Taimani Street
Kabul Afghanistan
Tel: 0775 549 700
UAE: +1 510 759 0250

Le Pelican Cafe du Kabul

Darulaman Road, opposite to Russian
Embassy
Tex Mex
La Cantina
Third Left off Butcher Street, Shahr-e Naw
Lebanese
Taverne du Liban
Street 15, Lane 3, Wazeer Akbar Khan
tel: 0799 828 376
The Grill
Stree 15, Wazeer Akbar Khan,
Tel: 0799 792 879
Cedar House
Behind kabul City Center, Shahr-e Naw
Tel: 0799 121 412
Turkish Istanbul,,
Main Road, On th Left, Between Massoud
Circle jalal Abad Road, Roundabout
Tel: 0799 407 818

Le Dizan
(formerly LAtmosphere)
Street 4, Taimani
Tel: 078 224 982, 0798 413 872

Iranian Shandiz,,
Pakistan Embassy Street, off Street 14,
Wazeer Akbar Khan
Tel: 0799 342 928

Flower Street Cafe

Street 2, Qala-e Fatullah
Tel: 0700 293 124, 0799 356 319

Italian Everest Pizza,,

Main Road,Near Street 12,Wazeer Akbar
Khan
www.everestpizza.com
Tel: 0700 263 636, 0799 317 979

Habibis Steakhouse
Street 15, Right Lane 2,
Wazeer Akbar Khan
Tel: 079 336 3725
Kabulk cofeehouse & Cafe
Street 6, On the Left, Qala-e Fatullah
Tel: 0752 005 275

Bella Italia
Street 14, Wazeer Akbar Khan
Tel: 0799 600 666
Springfield Pizza Take Away
Dutch Embassy Street, Shahr-e Naw

Tel: 0799 001 520

Indian
Namaste
Street 15, Left Lane 4, Wazeer Akbar Khan
Tel: 0799 567 291
Delhi Darbar
Shahr-e Naw, Close to UK sports
Tel: 07099 324 899
Anaar Restaurant
Lane 3, Street 14, Wazeer Akbar Khan
Tel: 0799 567 291
Chinese
Golden Key Seafood Restaurant
Lane 4, Street 13, Wazeer Akbar Khan
Tel: 0799 002 800, 0799 343 319
Thai
Mai Thai
House 38, Lane 2, Street 15, Wazeer Akbar
Khan
Tel: 0796 423 040
Korean
New World
Between Charrahi Haji Yaqoob and Charrahi
Ansari , on the right, Shahr-e Naw
Tel: 0799 199 509
Supermarkets, Groceris & Butchers A-one
Bottom of Shahr-e Naw Park
Chelsea
Shahr-e Naw main Road, Oppsite of Kabul
Bank
Spinneys
Wazeer Akbar Khan, Opposite of British
Embassy
Finest
Wazeer Akbar Khan Roundabout
Fat Man Forest
Wazeer Akbar Khan, main Road
Enayat
Modern Butcher
Qala-e Fatullah, Main Road, Near Street 4

In-flight Magazine 41

Boccaccio
Restaurant

We believe the food and atmosphere should speak for itself !

+93 799 200 600

boccacciorestaurant@hotmail.com

At Zurich Food & Beverage International were used

to climbing mountains !

Zurich Food & Beverage

International

Afghanistans newest leading supplier of the best

quality food & beverages catering towards the needs
of the international community.
+93 786 660 666

zurich.fbi@hotmail.com

Cinema

ema
n
i
C
s

n
sta
Afghani
ars!
e
y
0
1
t
s
In the pa

Cinema is the mother of the seven arts

and it has the responsibility of guiding
human beings towards salvation and
bless.
Afghanistans cinema industrys birth
dates back to King Aman Ullah Khans
era, during the years 1301 to 1303 Hijri
Khurshidi, when Cinema-theater of
Paghman started its work in Paghman
county of Kabul.
Ishq-o-Doosti (Love and Friendship)
was the first Afghan-Indian film, which
was shot in Lahore, Pakistan, produced
by a film company named Shoor.
The movie was premiered in Paghmans Cinema-theater, but the chaos at
that time caused the art of cinema to be
forgotten.
Despite Afghanistans prolonged periods
of war, Afghan film makers created a
series of artistic works against all the
problems and lack of enough facilities.
The movie Hamasa-ye Ishq, created
during Doctor Najibs regimen, became
a famous and popular movie amongst
people. The film is directed by Engineer
Latif Ahmadi who is now Afghan Films
president, and it is mainly shot in Balkh
province of Afghanistan.
Cinema found its old days again after
the fall of Taliban regime. During the
previous years, Afghan cinematographers, who are mostly comprised of
young people, have produced some good
feature movies some of which have
participated in International festivals and
won prizes.
Jawan Shir Haidari, famous Afghan
director says about Afghanistans nascent
cinema industry: Although after fall of
Taliban, there was not any facility for
44

In-flight Magazine

cinema, Afghan filmmakers have done

well.
Osama, a film by Sediq Barmak is one
of the movies, which has won several
prizes in International film festivals. The
movie has displayed the bad condition of
the country during Talibans reign, and it
is a strong work of Mr. Barmaks.
War of Opium, is the Barmakss
second movie, which has been created in
2009. It became popular in west.
Suleiman Sanjar, professor of theater
at Kabul University, says that there
have been significant achievements in
the cinema industry, despite the lack of
facilities.
According to Mr. Sanjar, besides films
produced by young filmmakers, some
TV series have been produced for private
TVs which have become quite popular.
Raz hay in Khana ( The secrets of this
House) is a TV series, produced by a
group in cooperation with Tolo TV, still
in production. It is one of the most popular TV series among Afghans.
The serial is a display of Afghan culture
and traditions and social values. It also
shows the everyday life of a typical
Afghan family.
Oghab-e Chahar (Eagle Four), is
another serial with a totally different
perspective created by young filmmakers of Afghanistan. Despite its limited
number of episodes, the series, which
was sponsored by Safi Group of Companies, enjoyed an era of popularity among
its audience.
What made Oghab-e Chahar different
from other cinema and TV productions
was the fact that it was a story of drug
mafia bands and Talibans power, and a

team of police that struggles to capture

and arrest these bands, but find out that
there are hands in police forces that help
the criminals. The police forces do whatever it takes to arrest the drug dealers.
The characters of the series are mostly
police forces, but due to lack of enough
facilities, you sometimes see some actors
do unreasonable things.
There are dozens of film production
companies in Kabul which produce more
than ten feature films each year.
Behesht-e Khamoosh (The Silent Paradise) is another TV series which was
broadcasted by Tolo TV. It was created
by a team of professors and students of
Kabul University Faculty of Fine Arts.
The series was written for screen by Aziz
Dildar, professor at Faculty of Fine Arts.
He has also played a main role in the
series. Mr. Dildar wants to introduce the
place of art among the people.
Behesht-e Khamoosh is another of
Afghan films and series that focuses
on showing the wrong and rights about
Afghan traditions and customs, though
the writer mainly emphasizes on young
people, who must participate in the harmony of the society.
Lack of actresses is a problem that filmmakers encounter in Afghanistan.
Muhammad Azam Hussain Zada, dean
of Theater and Cinema Department of
University of Kabul Faculty of Fine Arts,
calls lack of facilities a barrier on the
way of filmmakers, but believes that cinema will improve in the future, because
those who are working in the field, are
working with love and interest in what
they do.

Cinema

The latest work of Afghan cinema industry is a movie named Afghan- a search for family. The main focus of the
movie is Unity of Afghan citizens.
Jamal Khan, Afghan actor, plays the main role in the film. The movie is shot in Kabul and some northern provinces. It
is directed by Wakil Amirkhil and it is to be premiered in Kabul soon.
It pays to say that depending on youth interest in cinema and Afghan government, especially Ministry of Information
and Culture, Afghanistan will soon witness masterpieces that may even win grand prizes in international film festivals.

In-flight Magazine 45

Info

Charahi Ansari
Shahr-e-Naw Kabul Afghanistan
Telephone: +93 (0) 20 444 4444
Email: info@safiglobal.com
Website: www.safiglobal.com

Kabul City Center, which is one of

the biggest investments of Safi Group
of Companies, was designed in year
2005 by foreign engineers conforming to universal standards of design
and construction.
It is the first International shopping
center in Afghanistan.
Kabul City Center is a modern business center for those who are looking
for international standards.
It is located in the best part of Kabul
- Charrahi Ansari where it is safe
and secure.
Every day hundreds of Afghan and
non-Afghan visitors, visit this commercial center to purchase their
needs with the lowest prices and
highest quality. Kabul City Center
also has conveniences like parking
and ATMs.

46

In-flight Magazine

Info

Kabul City Center, which is comprised of two sections

of Safi Landmark and Kabul City Center, is the only
commercial center with all the required facilities in
Kabul.
Kabul City Center is just the place for development of
investments where hundreds are busy doing business.
This commercial center consists of nine floors, including shops, wedding halls, restaurants, and rooms for
Afghan and foreign guests, with security and facilities
beyond imagination.
Kabul City Center has more than 90 shops where
you can find cloth and shoes from famous companies
worldwide. You can also find electronic gadgets,
including digital cameras, and cell phones, etc.
Jewelry shops of Kabul City Center are another feature of Kabul City Center.
City Center Hotel and guesthouse named Safi Landmark is ready to host its valuable customers and guests
24 hours a day for conferences, and wedding celebrations. The wedding hall has a capacity of 1500 guests,
with a variety of tasteful dishes.
Safi Landmark Hotel is ready to satisfy its customers
by delivering food to whatever part of Kabul there is.
The Safi Landmark Suites, with more than 140 suites,
is a modern center with all the required facilities with
reasonable prices and experienced and professional
staff.
Safi Landmark Restaurant and Coffee Shop is up-todate with the latest standards and it is considered a
secure and relax place.
Kabul City Center has more than 289 staff members,
including transport, and security guards who are ready
to serve the customers at any time of the day.
Kabul City Center is a safe, memorable place, where
customers are always satisfied.

In-flight Magazine 47

Sport

Afghan Body Builders, to win South Asian

Bodybuilding Championships

Afghan Body Builders, win South Asian Bodybuilding Championships

Afghan National Bodybuilding team claimed the championship record in the 8th South Asian
Bodybuilding Championship, by winning two gold medals, 4 silvers and 2 bronzes.
Bawar Hootak, Afghanistan Bodybuilding Federation Head, who accompanied the National
team in these competitions said in an interview with Safi Airways In-flight Magazine: Bodybuilders from 8 South Asian countries, including Afghanistan, participated in this tournament.
Among them were 14 Afghan bodybuilders.
At the South Asian Bodybuilding Federation election, which was held to choose the President
and Vice President of the Federation, Mr. Hootak was elected as the Vice President.
Also Mr. Zubairullah Mohsen, General Secretary of the Afghanistan Bodybuilding Federation,
was elected as the General Secretary of South Asian Bodybuilding Federation.
Winning several gold and silver medals in South Asian Championships and placing first, shows
that Afghan athletes have improved significantly compared to previous years.
Compared to preceding years, says Bawar Hootak Afghanistan has made significant improvements in sports, especially in Bodybuilding.

48 In-flight Magazine

Sport

The Afghan National team returns with several gold

and silver medals from Bhutan and consider this win
an honor for the people of their country.
They say that when they landed in Bhutans capital
airport, they saw the National Flag of Afghanistan
flattering on both sides of the streets, and when they
won a competition, they were applauded by the
audience, who were mainly Bhutanese and the rest
of the participating countries authorities.
It is said that Afghan athletes received high praise
from Bhutan authorities, some of the Parliament
members, the 8 South Asian countries authorities,
and the 30,000 audience, and they call it a big honor
for the people of Afghanistan.
Afghan athletes had previously won the tournament held in 2010 by the South Asian Bodybuilding
federation.
9 members of the Afghan National team will participate in Bizhgame, Sri Lanka, bodybuilding competitions which will be held three months later.
Bodybuilding, which has improved in Afghanistan
during the last years, has more than 1150 clubs in
Afghanistan, among which 350 are in Kabul.More
than 300 sportsmen practice in each club in Kabul.
Afghan National Bodybuilding Federation holds
dozens of tournaments yearly in different areas
Afghanistan, for adults, youth and teenagers.
Also there are foundations that hold tournaments
for women and physically disabled people. These
tournaments award the winners with medals in order
to encourage the tradition.

In-flight Magazine 49

Interview

Jelena Petrovic
Nationality: Canadian
Education: Bachelors in
Economics and Psychology
Position: First Officer A320

50 In-flight Magazine

How did you start flying?

Well, both my dad and brother are pilots,
so I kind of grew up with it. I thought it was
interesting and a natural step for me to follow. When I was younger, I didnt see it as
something possible for me to do, but when I
was older, I went for an introductory flight,
and it was the most exciting experience I
ever had. Thats when I knew thats what I
wanted to do.
How long have you been flying?
I have been flying for five years now.
What made you decide to join Safi Airways?
I have always wanted to work abroad, and
I had heard many positive things about Safi
Airways. It has a good reputation, good
environment, and was safe and reputable,
so I was very eager to join.
Where were you working prior to joining
Safi Airways?
I was a flight instructor in Toronto,
Canada.

What aircraft type do you fly?

Single engine and multi-engine
piston aircraft.Cessna 150 and 172.
Piper, Piper Warrior, Piper Seminole.
What are the biggest challenges you
face at your job?
Having a career as a pilot, there are
the typical challenges faced such as
difficult weather conditions, traffic,
etc. With regards to Kabul, the approach into Kabul is very specific
which sometimes poses a challenge
to pilots.
Did you face any difficulties in being a female pilot?
No, not at all.In fact, quite the opposite. Everyone has been extremely
supportive and helpful on a professional level in terms of being extremely welcoming and forthcoming,
which I am truly grateful for.

Info

Maintenance & Engineering

Mr. Al Salah joined Safi Airways after hearing great things about the
airline, decided it was a challenging opportunity, and was impressed
with Safis firm long and short term plans for growth as well as the
unified team and one family feel he had upon joining.

Mr. Fayez Al Salah

Fayez Al Salah joined Safi
Airways in June of this year
as Director of Maintenance
and Engineering, bringing
with him over 35 years of
aviation experience. Fayez,
a Jordanian national and
holder of a Bachelors of
Science degree in Engineering, has a multitude of
achievements and accomplishments under his belt
from his past appointments
in several high profile
airlines and companies such
as Royal Jordanian Airlines,
Qatar Airways, and most
recently, JorAMco, where
he held the post of General
Manager.

During his long and illustrious career in the aviation industry, Fayez
has a long list of acheivements, including the impressive turnaround
he spearheaded at JorAMco, a Jordanian Maintenance Repair Overhaul company (MRO). As GM of JorAMco, Fayez actively participated in the implementation of the privatization program, by opening
new hangars and establishing their JorAMco Aviation Academy in
accordance with EASA Part 147, graduating licensed maintenance
engineers holding EASA Part 66, which count as great achievements
for the Jordan. From a revenue point of view, Mr. Al Salah, as part
of the senior management team, has also helped the company double
revenue and profit in 2008 by implementing processes that improve
productivity and efficiency, as well as enhancing quality and safety
standards, which reflects on the companys image and profitability.
This was in addition to creating new products by adding more to the
shops capabilities and expanding the companys work scope approvals.
When asked how he sees Safi growing in the coming period, Fayez
responded, Safi Airways is already growing at a steady pace, with
short, medium and long term plans in place, which are based on the
solid foundation of marketing research, analysis and studies as well
as competitor analysis. He then went on to say that Safis goals are
achievable ones, despite being challenging; Safi is on the right track.
Fayez has his work cut out for him, with high competition and
increasing fuel prices, Mr. Al Salah has a firm goal of remaining cost
effective to the customer, despite fuel prices changing and increasing by the minute. Other challenges that Fayez is ready to face are
developing and enhancing Safis products and services to a world
class level, optimizing capacity, which will ultimately benefit Safi
Airways passengers.
For the coming 12 months, Fayez has a well-founded list of priorities
and goals. At the top of the list is developing staff through training,
courses, seminars, etc. as he sees the team as a major asset for the
company. There will also be a move toward Safi conducting its own
technical handling of line maintenance activities in both Kabul and
Dubai.
Other goals include restructuring the engineering and maintenance
department, building and enhancing team work to maintain high morale and motivation of the staff, improving on time performance and
enhancing dispatch reliability.
In-flight Magazine 51

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Address: Safi Airways, Charahi Ansari, Share Naw, Kabul, Afghanistan

Telephone: + 93 20 222 2222 / Fax: + 93 20 220 2058 / P.O Box: 630 Kabul, Afghanistan