Turkish and Afghan airline companies sign deal

ISTANBUL (A.A) - February 7, 2012 - Turkey's national carrier Turkish Airlines (THY) signed a cooperation agreement with Afghan Ariana Airlines. THY Director General Temel Kotil and Ariana CEO Nasir Ahmed Hakimi signed the deal in Istanbul on Tuesday. Kotil said that THY was the first airline company which flied to Afghanistan, adding that the cooperation between THY and Ariana would further develop thanks to the agreement. Kotil noted that THY would help Ariana increase its flights as well as planning, marketing and establishing the technical infrastructure. Hakimi said that Ariana was planning to grow, and its needs were increasing in domestic flights. Hakimi noted that the cooperation with THY was important for them in strategic aspect.