Uzbekistan’s airline Silk Avia has taken the delivery of a new and the first ATR 72-600 from regional aircraft lessor Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) and ATR, as it expects the beginning of a new era for regional connectivity in Central Asia.
Part of an order announced in November 2022 during the visit of the President of Uzbekistan, Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in Paris, the ATR 72-600 aircraft was initially delivered by ATR to NAC in December 2023.
The contract includes a total of five new ATR 72-600 aircraft, with two being provided by NAC and three directly by the manufacturer.
The ATR72-600 aircraft registered as UK72604 did Toulouse ( TLS) - Istanbul (IST) - Tashkent (TAS) route flights to reach Tashkent International Airport (TAS / UTTT) on 16 February 2024.
Last year, a 100 percent share of Uzbekistan Airports JSC in the authorized capital of SILK AVIA LLC was decided to be transferred to Uzbekistan Helicopters LLC, as per a signed decision of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Uzbekistan Helicopters LLC, a part of Uzbekistan Airways JSC, is responsible for increasing the number of domestic flights, expanding their geography, launching new routes, and developing the fleet of ATR72-600 aircraft.
Marking the occasion, ATR press release said ,
"It is the first new ATR aircraft ever delivered to Central Asia. With its advanced technology, superior economics and unrivalled versatility, the ATR 72-600 will contribute to the development of regional connectivity in Uzbekistan and surrounding countries. "
"Silk Avia, now part of Uzbekistan Airways, will integrate these brand new aircraft into its existing ATR fleet, enhancing the airline’s ability to serve a wider range of destinations and meet the growing demand for efficient and low-emission regional air travel."
Shukhrat Khudaykulov, Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Airways, said
“Silk Avia, which has become a part of Uzbekistan Airways Group, has set an ambitious goal to become a leader in air transportation on domestic routes of the country. It is planned to constantly expand the route network, increase the number of flights and efficiently operate them on new ATR 72-600."
"This type of aircraft will help to provide the necessary conditions for a comfortable flight. Moreover, our common goal, the goal of New Uzbekistan, is to make flights affordable and develop domestic tourism of the country. It will undoubtedly be achieved through flights on ATR brand turboprop aircraft”.
Norman C.T. Liu, President & CEO of NAC, said:
“We welcome Silk Avia, part of the Uzbekistan Airways Group, as a customer and are pleased to deliver the first new ATR 72-600 to the airline.”
Alexis Vidal, ATR’s SVP Commercial, said:
“We warmly welcome Silk Avia to the ATR family. Their selection of the ATR 72-600 marks an important step as we begin operations in the promising market of Uzbekistan and wider Central Asia. Silk Avia will play a pioneering role in demonstrating the huge benefits affordable and low-emission regional aviation can deliver to this dynamic region."
"Our advanced ATR 72-600 turboprops are the ideal solution to connect communities and energise the national economy through their efficiency and flexibility. I look forward to following their progress and growth for many years to come.”
Silk Avia was established by Uzbekistan Airports in November 2021. It is the country’s first regional airline. The airline began operating its first scheduled flights on 25 April 2023.
