Somon Air: Tajikistan’s Premier Private Airline
Expanding Horizons with a Focus on Quality and Service
Somon Air, a private airline headquartered in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, operates from Dushanbe International Airport. Established on February 5, 2008, Somon Air has grown to become a key player in the region’s aviation sector, providing passenger services and transportation to various international destinations.
History and Development:
Somon Air began operations with regular flights to Moscow and soon became the official carrier for the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and other high-ranking officials. The airline has consistently focused on expanding its passenger services to Eastern Europe and other international locations.
In August 2009, Somon Air joined the IATA Billing and Settlement Plan, facilitating seamless transactions between passenger sales agents and airlines globally. By January 2013, the airline was participating in 14 BSP countries. In April 2013, it became part of the IATA Multilateral Interline Traffic Agreement, allowing passengers and cargo to use a standard traffic document across various transportation modes.
In June 2013, Somon Air became a member of the IATA Clearing House, further streamlining interline accounts settlement. In September 2017, the airline obtained IATA membership and began signing interline agreements with major airlines from the CIS, Europe, and Asia.
Recent Milestones:
In July 2019, Somon Air opened an aviation training center in Dushanbe to train aviation specialists. On December 18, 2019, the airline received the “Brand of the Year 2019” award from the Republic of Tajikistan. In 2022, Somon Air expanded its fleet by acquiring two Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Destinations:
As of June 2022, Somon Air operates flights to various destinations, including:
- Afghanistan: Kabul (terminated)
- China: Ürümqi
- Georgia: Tbilisi
- Germany: Munich
- India: Delhi
- Iran: Tehran
- Kazakhstan: Almaty, Astana
- Pakistan: Islamabad, Lahore (terminated)
- Russia: Irkutsk, Kazan, Khanty-Mansiysk (terminated), Krasnodar (terminated), Krasnoyarsk, Makhachkala, Moscow (Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhukovsky), Nizhnevartovsk (terminated), Novosibirsk, Orenburg, Saint Petersburg, Samara, Sochi, Surgut, Tyumen (terminated), Yekaterinburg
- Saudi Arabia: Jeddah
- Tajikistan: Dushanbe (hub), Khujand, Kulob
- Turkey: Istanbul
- Ukraine: Simferopol (terminated)
- United Arab Emirates: Dubai
- Uzbekistan: Bukhara (terminated), Tashkent
Current Fleet:
The Somon Air fleet, as of November 2019, comprises the following aircraft:
| Aircraft | In Service | Orders | Passengers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus Helicopters H125 | 1 | — | — | 5 |
| Boeing 737-800 | 4 | 1 | — | 189 |
| Boeing 737-900ER | 2 | — | 16 | 184 |
| Mil Mi-8-AMT | 1 | — | — | 24 |
| Total | 8 | 1 |
Fleet Development:
Somon Air has plans to expand and modernize its fleet. At the 2018 Dubai Air Show, the airline signed a memorandum of understanding to purchase a Boeing 787-8, though this has not yet been finalized. The airline also aimed to launch wide-body flights with a 767-300ER and considered purchasing four Embraer 190-E2 aircraft to replace older Boeing 737 Classic planes. Despite plans to start using the new Embraers by the end of 2018, there had been no further announcements by September 2019.
In November 2019, Somon Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Airbus group to acquire helicopters and the latest Airbus family aircraft directly from the manufacturer.
FAQs about Somon Air
Where is Somon Air headquartered? Somon Air is headquartered in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
When did Somon Air start its operations? Somon Air began operating on February 5, 2008.
What is the main airport for Somon Air? The main airport is Dushanbe International Airport.
Does Somon Air fly internationally? Yes, Somon Air flies to various international destinations.
What type of aircraft does Somon Air operate? Somon Air operates Boeing 737-800, Boeing 737-900ER, Airbus Helicopters H125, and Mil Mi-8-AMT.
Is Somon Air a member of IATA? Yes, Somon Air became an IATA member in September 2017.
Does Somon Air have a frequent flyer program? Yes, Somon Air offers a frequent flyer program.
Can I book Somon Air tickets online? Yes, tickets can be booked through their official website and other online travel agencies.
Does Somon Air offer in-flight meals? Yes, in-flight meals are provided on Somon Air flights.
Is there Wi-Fi available on Somon Air flights? Wi-Fi availability depends on the aircraft and route.
How can I contact Somon Air customer service? You can contact customer service via their website, email, or phone.
Does Somon Air provide special assistance for passengers with disabilities? Yes, special assistance is available upon request.
Can I check the flight status for Somon Air? Yes, flight status can be checked online on their official website.
What is the baggage allowance for Somon Air flights? Baggage allowance varies by fare class and destination, detailed information is available on their website.
Are pets allowed on Somon Air flights? Yes, pets are allowed under specific conditions.
Does Somon Air offer charter services? Yes, charter services are available.
What is the check-in process for Somon Air? Passengers can check-in online or at the airport.
How early should I arrive at the airport for a Somon Air flight? It is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before the departure time.
Can I change my flight booking with Somon Air? Yes, changes can be made according to the fare rules.
Does Somon Air fly to Moscow? Yes, Somon Air operates flights to Moscow.
Does Somon Air have a training center? Yes, Somon Air opened an aviation training center in July 2019.
What payment methods are accepted for Somon Air tickets? Various payment methods including credit cards and online payment options are accepted.
Can I get a refund for my Somon Air ticket? Refund policies depend on the fare type and conditions.
Does Somon Air have interline agreements with other airlines? Yes, Somon Air has interline agreements with various airlines.
Can I earn miles with Somon Air flights? Yes, miles can be earned through their frequent flyer program.
Does Somon Air offer business class seating? Yes, business class seating is available on selected flights.
What is the contact email for Somon Air? The contact email can be found on their official website.
Are there any travel restrictions for Somon Air destinations? Travel restrictions vary by destination and current regulations.
Does Somon Air provide travel insurance? Travel insurance can be purchased separately through partner providers.
Is there a customer service number for Somon Air? Yes, the customer service number is available on their website.
Can I book group travel with Somon Air? Yes, group travel bookings are available.
What are the cabin classes available on Somon Air? Somon Air offers economy and business class.
Does Somon Air operate domestic flights within Tajikistan? Yes, Somon Air operates domestic flights within Tajikistan.
Can I select my seat on a Somon Air flight? Yes, seat selection is available during booking or check-in.
Are there any discounts for children on Somon Air flights? Discounts for children are available depending on the fare type.
Does Somon Air provide in-flight entertainment? In-flight entertainment options vary by aircraft and route.
Can I carry extra baggage on Somon Air flights? Extra baggage can be carried for an additional fee.
What is the fleet size of Somon Air? As of November 2019, Somon Air has a fleet of 8 aircraft.
Does Somon Air fly to Dubai? Yes, Somon Air operates flights to Dubai.
What is the website for Somon Air? The official website is www.somonair.com.
Can I book a flight with Somon Air through a travel agent? Yes, bookings can be made through travel agents.
Does Somon Air offer cargo services? Yes, Somon Air offers cargo services.
Can I travel with sports equipment on Somon Air? Yes, sports equipment can be carried under specific conditions.
What languages are spoken by Somon Air staff? Somon Air staff typically speak Russian, Tajik, and English.
Does Somon Air have a lost and found service? Yes, a lost and found service is available.
What destinations does Somon Air serve in Russia? Somon Air serves multiple destinations in Russia including Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and others.
Does Somon Air offer a mobile app for booking? Yes, Somon Air offers a mobile app for booking and managing flights.
Can I upgrade my seat on Somon Air flights? Yes, seat upgrades are available subject to availability and fare rules.
Important Websites for Flight Information, Destinations, Fares, and Travel
Somon Air
- Official Website: Somon Air
- Information on flights, destinations, fares, and services offered by Somon Air.
Skyscanner
- Website: Skyscanner
- Search for flights, compare fares, and find the best travel deals.
Kayak
- Website: Kayak
- Compare hundreds of travel sites at once to find deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals.
Expedia
- Website: Expedia
- Book flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages.
Google Flights
- Website: Google Flights
- Find and compare flights, view fare trends, and track prices for your trip.
Momondo
- Website: Momondo
- Search for flights, hotels, and car rentals, and compare prices from different providers.
TripAdvisor
- Website: TripAdvisor
- Read reviews, compare prices, and book flights, hotels, and vacation packages.
CheapOair
- Website: CheapOair
- Find cheap flights, hotels, and car rentals, and book travel packages.
FlightAware
- Website: FlightAware
- Track real-time flight status, view airport delays, and find historical flight data.
Airline Websites
- Websites of major airlines for direct information on flights, fares, and services. Examples include:
SeatGuru
- Website: SeatGuru
- Find airline seat maps, seat reviews, and a detailed guide to in-flight amenities.
IATA (International Air Transport Association)
- Website: IATA
- Information on international air travel regulations, industry news, and airline safety.
These websites offer comprehensive information and tools to help you plan your travel, compare fares, and find the best deals for your flights and accommodations.
Read More:
Discovering the Wings of Southwest Airlines
Qatar Airways: Tracing the Journey of a Global Aviation Leader
Airlines, Hotels, and Retailers Concerned About Exclusion Due to Google’s Search Algorithm
Qatar Airways Sweeps Skytrax Awards with Record Eighth ‘Airline of the Year’ Win