Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev got acquainted with a presentation on the transformation of state-owned enterprises in the aviation sector on 22 February.

In recent years, significant opportunities have been created for the private sector in the aviation services sector. The number of airlines has reached 15, including 10 private ones. Last year, 28 new aircraft were purchased, doubling the number of flights over the past seven years. The transfer of Samarkand airport into private hands led to a fourfold increase in passenger traffic, reaching one million.

However, aviation services grew by just 11.6 percent last year. The country’s strategy until 2030 plans to quadruple air travel. To achieve this goal, the industry’s annual growth rate must be at least 20%.

To achieve this goal, systematic work is required in infrastructure, management, pricing and quality. Airfare prices in Uzbekistan are relatively high, and the number of domestic and international flights is insufficient to meet demand.

The main airports of Tashkent and Samarkand handle the majority of flights, but their capacity is limited, and additional services generate only 7 percent of total revenue. The transit potential of the airports of Tashkent, Navoi and Namangan is not fully used.

The presentation discussed plans for the current year to accelerate the transformation processes of Uzbekistan Airways and Uzbekistan Airports joint stock companies, expand services and increase revenues.

In particular, the process of obtaining an international credit rating for the national airline and its entry into an IPO will begin. The airports of Bukhara, Namangan, Urgench and Andijan will be transferred into private hands and modernized.

It plans to increase the number of flights by 20 percent, as well as take measures to reduce costs by 20 percent. Old, inefficient aircraft will be sold and modern, fuel-efficient aircraft purchased. Reducing fuel consumption will be achieved by selecting optimal flight routes to 72 destinations, and unused assets will be put up for sale.

Responsible persons were instructed to approve a cost reduction program, increase the competitiveness of services, and speed up private partnership projects. The need to increase additional services at airports, develop aircraft maintenance at Navoi Airport and fully utilize its potential was emphasized.

The issues of attracting foreign qualified specialists to state-owned airlines and improving personnel training were also discussed.