The processes of transformation in the field of aviation are considered

On February 22, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev got acquainted with a presentation on the transformation of state-owned enterprises in the aviation sector.

In recent years, extensive opportunities have been created for the private sector in the aviation services market. The number of airlines has reached 15, including 10 private ones. Last year, 28 new aircraft were purchased. As a result, the number of flights has doubled over the past seven years. Due to the transfer of Samarkand Airport to private management, passenger traffic increased fourfold and reached one million.

Nevertheless, last year the volume of aviation services grew by only 11.6 percent. In the strategy of our country, it is planned to increase the number of air traffic four times by 2030. To achieve this goal, the annual growth rate in the industry should be at least 20 percent.

This requires systematic work in the field of infrastructure, management, prices and quality. In our country, air ticket prices are relatively high. The number of both domestic and international flights is insufficient to meet the existing demand. The main part of flights still falls on the airports of Tashkent and Samarkand. Airports' aircraft and passenger service capabilities are limited, with additional services accounting for only 7 percent of their total revenue. The transit potential of Tashkent, Navoi and Namangan airports is not being fully utilized.

The presentation discussed plans for the current year to accelerate the transformation processes in the joint-stock companies Uzbekistan Airways and Uzbekistan Airports, expand service and increase revenue.

In particular, the process of obtaining an international credit rating for the national airline and its IPO will begin. The airports of Bukhara, Namangan, Urgench and Andijan will be transferred to private management and modernized. It is planned to increase the number of flights by 20 percent this year.

Measures are envisaged to reduce costs in the industry by 20 percent. Old planes with high fuel consumption will be sold and modern fuel-efficient aircraft will be purchased. A significant reduction in fuel consumption will be achieved by choosing the optimal flight routes to 72 destinations. Unused and unprofitable assets will be put up for sale.

The responsible persons were instructed to approve a cost reduction program, increase the competitiveness of services, and accelerate private partnership projects. The need to increase additional services at airports, develop aircraft maintenance at Navoi Airport and make full use of its potential was emphasized.

The issues of attracting foreign qualified specialists to state-owned airlines, as well as improving staff training, were also discussed.