Dubai, UAE; 25 January 2011: Safi Airways, Afghanistan’s leading international airline, today announced the appointment of a new senior management team. Led by Executive Director Hamid Safi the new appointments include Michael McTighe from the UK as Chief Operating Officer (COO), John Roijen from the Netherlands as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Jordanian Mohammad Al Hayek as Deputy Chief Operating Officer.
“This team has a wealth of aviation experience and a proven track record of success throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East,” said Ghulam Hazrat Safi, the airline’s founder and chairman. “I have every confidence they will continue to build on Safi’s reputation for uncompromising safety and professionalism while rolling out our expansion plans.”
Hamid Safi, the son of the owner and founder of Safi Airways, completed his higher education in the UK and is fluent in Farsi, Urdu, Arabic and English.

Michael McTighe is an experienced airline professional with a specialization of setting up new airlines and undertaking strategic reviews for airlines in order to return them to profitability. His work has spanned the UK, Iceland, Germany, Slovakia, Nigeria, and now the UAE and Afghanistan. Successful assignments include Ryanair, Britannia Airways GmbH, Air Atlanta Europe, and Arik Air Nigeria.

John Roijen is a renowned industry professional with a distinguished track record in airlines and manufacturing. He has been a senior financial executive for the last 15 years in various airline related industries including CFO at Virgin Nigeria and Arik Air. Roijen, who rejoined Safi as CFO last August, is a seasoned professional, qualified chartered accountant and holds an MBA from Henley College in the UK.

COO Michael McTighe said: “The EU’s ban on Afghanistani airlines flying to Europe has required that we effectively need to relaunch the airline. We face a couple of months of turbulence before we emerge into clear air but we are very confident that our new strategic plan will soon bear fruit. Safi Airways has a great future ahead!”

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About Safi Airways:
Safi Airways (IATA Code 4Q) is the leading international airline of Afghanistan. Headquartered in Kabul and Dubai (UAE) it is the first Afghan airline to be compliant with the safety standards of the international Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Safi Airways operates scheduled and charter passenger services and offers belly cargo space on its flights. The senior management includes Executive Director Hamid Safi, COO Michael McTighe, and a number of seasoned European airline experts. The airline currently serves Dubai twice daily. Bookings can be made online (www.safiairways.com) and through major GDS with all IATA travel agents worldwide.

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