Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Regional carrier Silk Avia plans to expand its fleet with two new ATR-72 aircraft. This was announced by Shukhrat Khudaikulov, Chairman of Uzbekistan Airways.

In 2024, the company’s route network covered 99 destinations, of which only 8 were domestic flights. However, Silk Avia, a subsidiary of Uzbekistan Airways, significantly increased the frequency of its flights — the number of flights grew sevenfold, surpassing 100 per week. This growth was made possible by the acquisition of two regional ATR-72 aircraft and one LET L-410.

"Our priority is fleet expansion. Currently, Silk Avia operates five ATR-72 aircraft, and we are now working on the procurement of two more ATR 72−600," said Khudaikulov.

According to him, the airline has firmly established itself in the market, and its key task now is to increase the range of ATR-72 flights, including operations to neighboring countries. For instance, since June 16, Silk Avia has been operating daily flights to Issyk-Kul.

"The potential of the ATR-72 allows for more flights, but for example, nighttime flights to Bukhara are unlikely — passengers are accustomed to traveling in the morning, afternoon, and evening, but not at night," Khudaikulov noted.