ate problems was demonstrating that to the world. The answer was the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which spearheads the world’s airline operations. “We needed to join IATA and we needed to get the safety audit,” Khalifat said. The IATA operational safety audit (IOSA) programme is recognised globally and is the accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and controls systems of an airline. It is supported by the FAA and EASA. The audit process is intense but, in February 2012, Safi passed and was accredited by IATA. The airline was also admitted as a full member of IATA. For chief executive Pierfranco Prato – formerly-COO of Kuwait’s Wataniya airline and previously Alitalia-this was a key step in emphasizing the reputation of the airline. “We have come a long way and it has been no easy task in establishing a commercial airline from this part of the world.” He said. “The aviation industry and the country’s infrastructure are gradually being built and improving every day. Safi Airways is patronized by the expatriate Afghan community, the western community working for a variety of NGOs, the local business community, and the blue collar workforce, who are residents in Afghanistan and the GCC.” But that reputation has not reached as far as Brussels. And, despite being recognised by IATA as a “safe” airline, Safi remains on the EU blacklist. IATA director general Tony Tyler described the EUs stance as “absurd”. Speaking at the IATA annual general meeting in Cape Town in June, Tyler said that Safi met all international safety standards and was
IOSA certified. “They say the issue is oversight and yet it is ok for European carriers to fly in. if it is not safe for Safi, then it is not safe for all airlines. I think it is time for the European Union to think again.” Tyler took the opportunity to criticize the whole concept of the EU blacklist. “There is no transparency and no international standard. The whole ban list is not helpful for safety. Airlines don’t know why they are on the banned list-and they don’t know how to get off it. that is simply wrong.” I was invited to see the operation for itself, to visit Kabul. Witness the ground handling and talk to passengers and staff. “Remember Afghanistan is a war zone, it is different. But it is also like being in Karachi, Rio or Mexico City. Security is a matter of real life, but is it worth seeing,” Prato said. And it was. Kabuls main airport is small but there was a warm welcome from the immigration and customs officers. Even the machinegun toting security staffs on the airfield were polite and friendly as they pointed photographer Ian Billinghursts camera lens away from the rows of afghan Air Forces G-222s, (similar to the USAF C-27A transporters) and Russian-built helicopters, while overhead, American Apache helicopters patrolled the military base at the far side of the runway. The mountains on the route between Dubai and Kabul are stunning with rugged views that match any of the Nepalese or central Asian postcard points. At 35000ft Safi’s full service was also up to scratch. The team is truly international, with American or European pilots, cabin crew-including Afghani women-providing a In-flight Magazine
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