Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Uzbekistan is continuing implementation of the State programme of civil aviation development until 2020. The scheme envisages full modernization and unification of the aircraft park, creation of the modern base for technical service of western-made liners, development of land infrastructure, reconstruction of the air traffic management system and creation of the own base for preparation of high-skilled specialists.

The national air company Uzbekistan Havo Yollari (Uzbekistan Airways) carries the main responsibility for the solution of the above-mentioned tasks. Set up on 28 January 1992, the company has become a full-fledged participant of the international air transportation market.

Valeriy Tyan, director general of Uzbekistan Havo Yollari, said starting from 2011, Uzbekistan Airways will receive new liners, in accordance with contracts signed in 2007-2008 with Boeing and Airbus.

Currently, the company uses foreign-made planes like Boeing-767-300ER, Boeing-757-200, A-310, RJ-85, as well as locally-produced Il-114-100. Last year, Tashkent aircraft plant supplied the second Il-114-100 to the national air carrier. This year, five more such planes will be purchased.

In 2008, Uzbekistan Airways for the first time carried more than 2 million passengers (2,069,343). The volume of transported cargo increased by 6.4% against 2007 to 22,200 tons.

Last year was also marked with introduction of the electronic ticketing system. The company’s airports were provided with necessary equipment, systems and programs. The e-ticketing system is now working alongside with the traditional tickets.

Together with Korean Air, Uzbekistan Airways started the project of creation of the international logistics center at Navoi airport.

The company is presently passing the necessary procedures to join the global aviation alliance Sky Team. This will allow the passengers to enjoy a wide range of preferences and new services.