The President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, has submitted amendments to the country's 2018 state budget that, if accepted, would exempt national carrier Tajik Air (7J, Dushanbe) from paying VAT and customs duties when importing aircraft.

A presidential statement issued on January 23 said the amendments are intended to allow the struggling carrier to renew its technical operations while, at the same time, improving its level and quality of passenger service. Parliament has also been instructed to devise and implement a plan to assist Tajik Air.

The ch-aviation fleets module shows Tajik Air operates a jet fleet of one B737-300, one B737-400 (stored), one B757-200, and one B767-300 all of which average around 27 years of age. Operationally, it serves Operationally, it serves 13 destinations across Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, India, Iran, Russia, and China.

By contrast, privately-owned competitor Somon Air (SZ, Dushanbe) operates a relatively more youthful fleet of two B737-300s, two B737-800s, and two B737-900(ER)s averaging 14.3 years of age. It also has plans to add one B787-8 later this quarter.