Why is this important
Expanding the fleet and routes is a key element in transforming Uzbekistan into a regional air hub, which can attract investment, increase tourist flows, and strengthen logistics. For the aviation industry, this is a serious challenge: it will be necessary to scale purchases, airport infrastructure, service, personnel, as well as ensure commercial sustainability.
The growth of air transportation can stimulate exports, tourism, and interregional ties, but it also requires substantial funding and prudent risk management.
Key facts
- Currently, the fleet of Uzbek carriers has 105 aircraft.
- The authorities plan to increase the number of aircraft to 180 by 2030.
- It is planned to increase the number of destinations to 230 and the volume of flights to 200,000 per year.
- Simultaneously, the construction of a new international airport under Tashkent, covering approximately 1,310 hectares, is underway.
- Investments in the first stage of the airport are about $2.5-2.6 billion.
- The expected income from the deployment of air infrastructure is more than $700 million annually.
Context
In recent years, Uzbekistan has been actively developing transport and tourism infrastructure: the number of foreign airlines in the market is 51 operators. The domestic air market is becoming increasingly competitive: according to the data, 15 new airlines have been created.
The implementation of such plans requires not only the purchase of aircraft, but also significant investments in airports, logistics, service, and personnel. The growth of routes and fleet should be accompanied by high-quality service and a sustainable commercial model. Risks are associated with the overload of infrastructure, insufficient demand for some routes, high capital expenditures, global fuel and airplane prices.
