The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has officially commenced operations in Uzbekistan, opening a permanent office in Tashkent. This decision solidifies the republic's status as a key aviation hub in Central Asia and is the result of joint efforts between the association and the government.
The opening ceremony was attended by Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov and IATA's Regional Vice President for Europe Rafael Schvartzman. It was emphasized that market liberalization reforms have spurred rapid growth in the country's aviation sector, and IATA's presence will provide airlines and airports with direct access to global standards.
One of the first tangible outcomes will be the implementation of the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) by the end of this year. This digital financial mechanism will radically simplify interactions between carriers and tens of thousands of accredited travel agents worldwide, ensuring transparency and minimizing costs. Experts believe this will be a powerful driver of operational efficiency across the industry.
Uzbekistan's geographical position makes it a potential future aviation hub. IATA forecasts confirm this potential: passenger traffic is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 3.3% until 2050, exceeding global averages. Priority tasks include implementing IOSA safety audits and modernizing airports in Tashkent, Bukhara, and Urgench. The association also plans to actively engage in discussions on tax policies and airport charges.
Strategic development is also linked to the transition to green energy. Leveraging GTL technology experience, Uzbekistan has a unique opportunity to become an exporter of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Establishing low-carbon fuel production will help the republic meet its international commitments to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Currently, aviation contributes significantly to the economy, supporting over 128,000 jobs and accounting for about 0.9% of GDP. The opening of the Tashkent office—the 57th in IATA's global network—will not only strengthen these figures but also introduce modern digital identification standards, making air travel from Uzbekistan faster, safer, and more seamless.
Source: podrobno.uz