As you see , the startup airlines' Livery is inspired by the colorful satin fabrics often found in the region of Uzbekistan. Silk Avia's also plan is to have different variants of this color scheme in its fleet.
Silk Avia and the Franco-Italian Aircraft Manufacturer ATR signed a basic agreement for the purchase of five new ATR 72-600 aircraft.
An agreement on the purchase of aircraft for the first regional airline of Uzbekistan was signed in Paris on the eve of the official visit of country's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to France.
Silk Avia , which will operate as a low-cost airline, is owned by Uzbekistan Airports and has the main goal of stimulating domestic tourism and economic development.
The airline is due to start operations early next year with three second-hand ATR 72-600s and hopes to have a fleet of 12 ATR 72-600s by 2025.
Rano Dzhuraeva, Chair of Uzbekistan Airports, says:
"We are excited to be soon launching our operations with an all-ATR fleet. As a new low-cost airline, we undertook an extensive review of which aircraft would provide the best solution. Our selection of the ATR 72-600 is the perfect choice for us as they will ensure we can offer our passengers the most modern, comfortable and reliable experience in the most affordable and sustainable way.”
ATR Chief Executive Officer, Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, comments:
“There is no better solution to provide essential links than an ATR 72-600, the sustainable benchmark in regional aviation today. In a fast-growing country such as Uzbekistan, Silk Avia will play a key role by offering vital links for local communities and boosting the economy."
"Studies have shown that an increase of 10 percent in regional flights can lead to a 5% increase in local GDP and ATR contributes by providing the most responsible and affordable regional aircraft. We warmly welcome Silk Avia as one of our newest customers, opening a new market for ATR in Central Asia.”
As part of the meeting in Paris, Silk Avia and ATR also signed a Global Maintenance Agreement (GMA). The five-year, hourly contract will significantly reduce maintenance costs and increase productivity. The contract includes maintenance and overhaul, replacement of linear-replaceable units, a reserve of spare parts and maintenance services.
In a rapidly growing country like Uzbekistan , Silk Avia will play a key role in boosting domestic tourism and stimulating the economy , according to ATR CEO Natalie Tarno Laud.
The country expects that a 10% increase in regional flights can lead to a 5% increase in local GDP, and ATR is doing its part by providing reliable and affordable regional aircraft.
As part of the agreement, Silk Avia will receive aircraft equipped with new generation PW127XT engines , which provide a 20% reduction in maintenance costs and a 3% reduction in fuel consumption compared to existing engines. Silk Avia aircraft will be the first new ATRs to fly in Central Asia.
