Tajik Air faces increasing pressure as Somon Air expands and new start-up enters the domestic market

Tajikistan's national carrier Tajik Air faces an uncertain future as privately owned Somon Air expands its share of the Tajikistan market and continues to outperform its government-owned rival. Tajik Air could see more pressure in 2013 following the planned launch of Asian Express Airlines, which plans to initially serve the domestic market.

Somon Air, which launched services in 2008, now accounts for a leading 28% share of international capacity to and from Tajikistan. Unlike many other carriers in the region, Somon Air operates a modern fleet that consists entirely of western aircraft. It is now planning to distinguish itself further by pursuing IOSA certification. There are currently no IOSA-certified carriers in Tajikistan.