H.E. Hamidullah Farooqi presents MoTCA Master Plan

In his presentation delivered to a NATO Air Traffic Management Committee meeting, H.E. Mr. Hamidullah Farooqi stressed the importance of establishing a fully functioning, safe and efficient air transportation system. His Excellency also gave an overview on the recently drafted Afghanistan Civil Aviation Master Plan, which lays out the principles and priorities for the rehabilitation of the Afghanistan’s civil aviation sector. Among the principles are that the process of rehabilitation should be Afghan-led, all international efforts should be aimed at building Afghan capacity and that reconstruction should be executed in phases with clearly planned milestones and periodic progress reports.

Mr Farooqi also noted a list of recent achievements by his Ministry. These included the succesful execution of the Hajj, the creation of airport master plans and various enhancements made to the Kabul International Airport as well as other regional airports.

In his speech, Mr. Farooqi laid out priorities for the future, stating that the most important forthcoming undertakings would be the enactment of a Civil Aviation Law, the establishment of an Afghan Civil Aviation Authority, the enhancement of Financial and Revenue collection systems, the promotion of private sector investment in civil aviation and the establishment of a pay program to attract and retain the necessary technical talent.

In the ensuing discussion with national representatives, Mr. Farooqi stressed the need to increase Afghan knowledge through mentoring and welcomed all possible future training initiatives to this end. Mr. Farooqi finished by stressing the importance of the rehabilitation of the Afghanistan’s aviation sector both for the Afghans and for the international community.