Somali Airlines was founded on 5 March 1964 as the newly independent Somalia's national airline.[4][5] The country's then civilian government and Alitalia owned equal shares in the company,[4] with each holding a 50% controlling stake.[5] Under a five-year agreement, Alitalia provided the airline with technical support.[6] According to Somali Airlines' Director at the time, Abdulahi Shireh, the carrier was established primarily to more effectively connect the capital Mogadishu to other regions in the nation.[7]