BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 3. Striking a deal with Boeing for 14 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, along with an option for 8 more, has turned into a strategic play that’s set to pave the way for the airline fleet's future growth, a source at Uzbekistan Airways told Trend.
The company noted that at this stage it is premature to discuss specific routes and flight schedules up to 2031. Decisions on expanding the route network are made gradually, taking into account market analysis, passenger traffic dynamics, international agreements, and infrastructure development.
“In the short term, our priority remains the systematic integration of new aircraft into the existing network and improving service quality on current routes. As the aircraft are put into operation and new opportunities arise, decisions on expanding the route network will be made,” Uzbekistan Airways stated.
The representative also added that expanding the fleet of long-haul Boeing 787-9s will create new strategic opportunities for Uzbekistan Airways not only in passenger but also in cargo transportation.
“The Boeing 787-9 has optimal characteristics for transporting cargo in the lower deck, which will significantly increase shipment volumes on long-haul routes. This is especially important for destinations in Europe, North America, and East Asia, where there is high demand for transporting pharmaceuticals, perishable goods, industrial components, and e-commerce products. Expanding the fleet will allow Uzbekistan Airways to offer more competitive transit solutions for international shippers, strengthening the country’s position as a logistics hub,” added the airline representative.
He also articulated that this category of aerial vehicles
facilitates avenues for enhancing synergies with international
aviation entities, expedited logistics providers, and transnational
freight coalitions. This may encompass accords on collaborative
route operations and the augmentation of the agency network
internationally.
Uzbekistan Airways posits that augmenting cargo capacity will
catalyze enhanced opportunities for Uzbek exporters, particularly
within the textile and agricultural sectors, thereby facilitating
the expansion of national export metrics and fortifying
international economic linkages.
Uzbekistan Airways serves as the national airline of Uzbekistan, with its base of operations in Tashkent. The airline commenced operations on 28 January 1992, subsequently assuming control of the Uzbekistan segment of Russia's Aeroflot on 31 May 1992. Since its inception, Uzbekistan Airways has strategically directed its passenger operations towards Western Europe and various global destinations. The majority of international flights are routed through Tashkent, though there are also international services available to various other cities in Uzbekistan.
