DUSHANBE, May 4, Asia-Plus - An air crash over the Black Sea will not influence a decision by Tajik State Air Company “Tojikiston” to lease western type airplanes, Asia-Plus has learned at administration of the Tajik national airline.  

According to the source, they are currently working out a project for leasing “Boeing” or “Airbus” aircraft.  “Consultants are working on this project and exact type of aircraft to be leased will be known after their resolution,” the source said.  

As it had been reported earlier, Tajik parliament in December last year ratified an agreement under which the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) loans the Tajik national airline US$5 million to lease two new aircraft.  The EBRD approved a loan of US$5million to cover expenses related to the Tajik air carrier’s plan to lease western type airplanes in late 2004.  

The Airbus A320 en route Yerevan-Sochi crashed May 3, at about 02:15 local time, as it made a second attempt to land at an airport near Sochi.  Reports said it was carrying 85 Armenian citizens, 26 Russians, one Georgian and one Ukrainian. Among those on board were eight crew and six children.  Armavia, the airline, which owned the plane, says that it was in good condition and that the crew were experienced.  The Airbus was manufactured in 1995 and underwent checks last month.