Somalia relaunches national carrier after 34-year hiatus with Airbus A320 deal
The announcement came on Monday in Mogadishu, where the government confirmed the purchase of two Airbus A320 aircraft from Lema Air Group.
The Federal Government of Somalia has officially announced the return of Somali Airlines, marking the end of a suspension that lasted more than three decades.
The announcement came on Monday in Mogadishu, where the government confirmed the purchase of two Airbus A320 aircraft from Lema Air Group.
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Speaking to the media, Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Farah said the government has signed a purchase agreement and expects the aircraft to begin operations within two months.
“We have returned the Somali Airlines, which ceased operations over 34 years ago. Today, we reached a purchase agreement with Lema Air Group and bought two aircraft, which are Airbus A320s,” said the minister.
Farah explained that the deal was finalised in Mogadishu after months of negotiations. Reviving Somali Airlines, he said, was a personal goal he set upon taking office, and the two aircraft are just the beginning of a broader effort to restore the nation’s aviation sector.
“For now, we shall start with these two, then two or three more will follow. We hope that in less time, we want them to compete with other international airlines,” he said.
Symbol of national pride
He emphasised that the airline's return will not only revive a symbol of national pride but also boost the country’s economy by generating jobs in aviation and reducing reliance on foreign-owned carriers.
“You know the Somali community is all over the world, and they use and spend their money on airlines owned by other countries,” he added.
Describing the airline's relaunch as a flagship project of the current administration, Farah said the move is a step toward rebuilding Somalia’s infrastructure and re-establishing its footprint in global aviation.
The news has sparked excitement among Somalis both at home and in the diaspora, many of whom have expressed support for the government’s initiative.
Originally established in 1964, Somali Airlines operated domestic and international routes, including destinations in the Middle East and Europe. Its fleet once included Boeing 720Bs, Boeing 707-300s, and Airbus A310-300s.
Operations came to a halt in 1991 due to the outbreak of civil war, which led to the collapse of national institutions.
The government says this marks the first phase in the revival of Somali Airlines, with additional aircraft acquisitions planned in the near future.
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