Ariana Afgan Airlines Pilot Wing
Afghanistan 1957-Current
Ariana Afghan Airlines was established in January 1955. An American commercial pilot relocated several war-surplus Dakota Aircraft to Afghanistan which he had been operating as a private air service in India after the end of World War ll. Prior to that there had been no air service for passengers within Afghanistan. In 1957 an agreement was negotiated between the Afghan Government and the United States Government to create a partnership with Pan American Airways. Ariana was reincorporated with 51% of the shares owned the Afghan Government, and 49% acquired by Pan American World Airways. That agreement terminated in 1985. The airline currently operates with Afganistan employees.